How dallas Government Works
Learn how Dallas is organized, who makes decisions, and how city government works every day.
iN 1 mINUTE…
Dallas uses a Council-Manager form of government.
Residents elect the Mayor and 14 City Council members to make major decisions and set city policy. The City Council hires a professional City Manager to oversee the city’s daily operations and lead city departments.
Together, elected officials, city staff, and residents work to shape the future of Dallas.
How Dallas is organized
- Dallas Residents
- Mayor + City Council (Set policy & approve budget)
- City Manager (Manages daily operations)
- City Departments (Provide city services)
think of it like this
Imagine a sports team.
- The owners set the long-term direction.
- The coach manages the team every day.
- The players carry out the game plan.
Dallas government works similarly.
- Residents elect City Council to set priorities.
- The City Manager runs day-to-day operations.
- City departments deliver services like parks, police, and sanitation.
No one person runs the entire city.
the Main players
residents
Residents elect leaders, participate in meetings, report issues, and help shape city decisions.
Mayor
The Mayor leads City Council meetings, represents Dallas publicly, and helps set the city’s direction.
city Council
Fourteen council members represent geographic districts and vote on the city’s budget, policies, and major decisions.
City Manager
The City Manager is hired by City Council to oversee daily operations and supervise city departments.
City Departments
Departments provide services like police, fire, parks, libraries, sanitation, housing, and transportation.
Boards & Commissions
Volunteer residents help study issues and make recommendations on topics like planning, parks, housing, and historic preservation.
how a decision gets made
- Problem Identified
- City Staff Research
- Public Input
- City Council Discussion
- City Council Vote
- City Departments Implement
why this matters
Understanding how Dallas government works helps you:
- Participate more effectively.
- Know who makes decisions.
- Know who to contact.
- Understand city news.
- Follow City Council meetings.
myth vs facts
Myth
Fact
The Mayor Runs Dallas
Dallas uses a Council-Manager form of government. The Mayor leads the City Council, while the City Manager oversees daily operations.
City Council members manage city departments.
Departments are managed by the City Manager and professional staff. City Council sets policy and approves budgets.
Residents only participate during elections.
Residents can attend meetings, give public comment, contact officials, serve on boards, and stay involved year-round.
take action
- Find your City Council member.
- Watch the next City Council meeting.
- Read this week’s agenda.
- Learn how to give public comment.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Mayor run Dallas?
No. Dallas uses a council-manager form of government. The Mayor leads the City Council, while the City Manager oversees the city’s daily operations.
What does the City Manager Do?
The City Manager is hired by the City Council to oversee city departments, prepare the budget, and manage daily operations
Who do I contact if I have a neighborhood problem?
It depends on the issue. Many service requests can be reported through 311, while policy questions may be directed to your City Council member.
Can residents attend City Council meetings?
Yes. City Council meetings are generally open to the public, and many include opportunities for residents to speak during public comment.
Over time, unpaid taxes can lead to legal action or a tax lien against the property.
If you’re having trouble paying, contact your local tax office as soon as possible to learn about available options.
Who hires the City Manager?
The Dallas City Council hires the City Manager and can evaluate or replace them.
CONTINUE LEARNING
Build on what you’ve learned by exploring the people and systems that keep Dallas running.
Discover how Dallas collects money, builds the budget, and funds city services.
Learn why Dallas uses a council-manager form of government and how it compares to other cities.
Learn how the 14 council members represent Dallas and make decisions.
See how the City Manager oversees departments and carries out City Council’s decisions.