Dallas’ Racial Equity Resolution

The City of Dallas’ Racial Equity Plan (REP), adopted in 2022, is a strategic framework aimed at addressing racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities across the city. Developed through community collaboration, the plan integrates equity principles into city policies, programs, and decision-making processes. It prioritizes historically marginalized communities by establishing measurable goals that guide city departments in reducing disparities in areas such as housing, economic opportunity, public health, and environmental justice. By embedding racial equity into governance structures, the REP seeks to create a more inclusive and equitable Dallas.

A key component of the plan is its focus on data-driven accountability and structural change. It requires city departments to assess racial disparities in service delivery, workforce representation, and community investments. The plan outlines specific policy goals to improve economic mobility, increase access to essential services, and address long-standing inequalities in Black and Brown communities. While it includes mechanisms for monitoring progress, it largely works within existing government structures, aiming to reform institutional practices rather than transferring power directly to impacted communities.

The REP also acknowledges historical injustices and environmental racism, emphasizing public safety, infrastructure improvements, and workforce development as pathways toward equity. However, it does not explicitly challenge extractive economic systems like capitalism or promote local regenerative economies. While it represents a step toward addressing past harm, its effectiveness in redistributing power and increasing decision-making authority for Black communities depends on how its goals are implemented and enforced. The plan’s success will rely on sustained community engagement and strong accountability measures to ensure that equity goals translate into material change.

Bill Text: https://dallascityhall.com/departments/office-of-equity-and-inclusion/Equity/DCH%20Documents/COD_RacialEquityPlan22_Final.pdf

Policy Analysis

Does the policy solution re-distribute power from mainstream institutions to impacted Black community? 

The Racial Equity Plan (REP) takes meaningful steps toward prioritizing the needs of Black communities by embedding racial equity in government decision-making. By requiring city departments to consider racial disparities in their programs and policies, the plan challenges the status quo and forces mainstream institutions to be more accountable. However, to truly redistribute power, decision-making authority and direct resource control should be shifted into the hands of Black-led organizations and community members. Expanding participatory budgeting, increasing land and business ownership opportunities, and ensuring Black-led oversight on equity initiatives could strengthen the plan’s impact and further empower Black communities.

Does this policy provide more decision-making power at the hands of Black communities?  

The REP seeks to elevate community voices by engaging Black residents in decision-making processes, but it stops short of giving them real control over policies and resources. While representation and advisory roles are important, true empowerment comes from having the authority to shape budgets, policies, and land-use decisions. A more transformative approach would involve co-governance structures where Black community leaders and grassroots organizations have direct influence over how city funds are allocated. Strengthening community-based participatory frameworks would ensure that policies truly reflect the lived experiences and aspirations of Black residents.

Does the policy undermine extractive economies like capitalism and restore community power around a local and regenerative economy/ primary production?  

The plan recognizes economic disparities and aims to increase Black economic mobility through workforce development and inclusive hiring practices. However, to fully challenge extractive economic systems, the plan must go further in promoting local, community-owned enterprises and cooperative business models that keep wealth circulating within Black communities. Supporting land trusts, cooperative housing, and Black-owned businesses with city-backed funding could help transition away from exploitative economic structures toward a regenerative economy rooted in community self-determination. Shifting public investment toward sustainable, Black-led economic initiatives would ensure long-term economic security and resilience.

Does the policy repair past harm and uphold civil and human rights, health and environmental protections?

The REP acknowledges the historical and systemic injustices that have harmed Black communities and commits to addressing disparities in health, housing, and environmental protections. By focusing on public safety, infrastructure investment, and environmental justice, the plan lays a foundation for repair. However, true justice requires not just acknowledgment, but bold action—such as targeted reparative investments, land restoration, and health initiatives designed to counteract the generational impacts of racial discrimination. Expanding legal protections and strengthening enforcement mechanisms for civil and environmental rights would further ensure that Black communities receive the justice and dignity they deserve.

Summary and Policy Analysis Developed by Natalie Rivas