Dallas 101
Understand Dallas in 5 Minutes
New to Dallas government? Start here.
Learn who makes decisions, what Dallas is responsible for, and how you can get involved.
iN ONE MINUTE
Dallas is one of the largest cities in the United States.
The City of Dallas is responsible for services like roads, parks, police, fire protection, libraries, and zoning.
Residents elect a mayor and city council to make policy, while a city manager oversees the day-to-day operations of city government.
DALLAS AT A GLANCE
| County | Dallas County (most of the city) |
| Government | Council-Manager |
| Elected Officials | Mayor + 14 Council Members |
| Chief Administrator | City Manager |
| Annual Budget | View Current Budget |
| Elections | City elections every two years (or current schedule) |
wHAT DOES THE CITY DO?
- Roads
- Parks
- Police
- Fire
- Libraries
- Water
- Housing
- Sanitation
HOW ARE DECISIONS MADE?
- A resident raises an issue
- City staff researches it
- City Council discusses it
- Public can give comment
- Council votes
- City departments implement it
HOW CAN I PARTICIPATE?
- Attend a City Council meeting
- Give public comment
- Contact your council member
- Vote in city elections
- Join a board or commission
CONTINUE LEARNING
Explore how Dallas government is structured, how decisions are made, and how city departments work together.
Learn about the mayor, city council, city manager, boards and commissions, and the roles they play in governing Dallas.
Understand where Dallas gets its money, how it spends it, and how the annual budget is created.
Learn about zoning, housing policies, planning, development, and how neighborhoods grow and change.
Explore roads, sidewalks, bike infrastructure, DART, parking, and transportation planning.
Learn about parks, libraries, sanitation, public safety, water, code compliance, and other services provided by the City of Dallas.
Discover how to attend meetings, give public comment, contact officials, serve on boards, and get involved in local government.