Proposition A
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about the Dallas Public Safety Bond.
What is Proposition A?
Proposition A is Dallas’ Public Safety Bond. It would fund major investments in fire, police, 911 and emergency-response infrastructure, including a new downtown fire station, police property room and crime lab, emergency operations center and modern police training facilities.
How much does the bond include for each project?
$22 million for a replacement downtown fire station.
$150 million for a modern police property room and crime lab.
$40 million for a new emergency operations and 911 center.
$231 million for modern police training facilities.
Will Proposition A raise my tax rate?
No. The ballot is required by state law to say “this is a tax increase,” but it isn’t. Because Dallas has managed its debt responsibly, Proposition A will not raise the tax rate — and in fact, the city is on track to lower the tax in 2027 for the 11th consecutive year.
Why does Dallas need a new downtown fire station?
The existing downtown station is 73 years old and was not designed to accommodate today’s fire trucks and equipment. The $22 million replacement would provide a modern facility capable of supporting faster emergency response.
Why spend $150 million on a police property room and crime lab?
The existing facility is 74 years old, and state law requires police to hold on to some evidence for as long as 99 years. Police need secure, modern facilities to preserve evidence used to prosecute violent offenders, track repeat offenders and solve cold cases.
What’s wrong with the current Emergency Operations Center?
Dallas’ Emergency Operations Center is nearly 50 years old and located in the basement of City Hall. Proposition A would move those operations into a modern facility designed to continue functioning during crises, such as floods, ice storms and power-grid failures.
Is this bond a “blank check” that Councilmembers can use for other purposes?
No. Bond funding is bound by a covenant that requires the funds to be spent for, in this case, public safety purposes only. The projects have been identified, allocations for this bond package were voted on and passed by the Dallas City Council, and the city publicly reports out its bond expenditures.
Why are police training facilities part of the bond?
Modern training facilities help Dallas properly prepare current officers and recruit new cadets, especially in a competitive and fast-growing region. The current academy is inadequate and was never intended to be a long-term solution. This state-of-the-art academy will help facilitate strong community policing, improve public safety, grow the department, and, therefore, reduce response times.
How does this help reduce response times?
There are two primary ways. The new downtown fire station is designed to allow crews and modern equipment to respond more efficiently, while the police training investment is intended to help Dallas grow and support its police department through recruitment, retention, and modern training. Maintaining and growing a modern police force will increase the department’s capacity and ability to respond to calls quickly and reduce crime.
Why should voters approve this now?
Many of the facilities being replaced are roughly 50 to 74 years old. Continuing to rely on outdated infrastructure creates operational limitations at the same time Dallas is trying to improve emergency response, police recruitment and overall public safety.
Where is this item on the November ballot?
The Public Safety Bond – City of Dallas Proposition A – is at the very bottom of your November ballot, so go to the very last page and vote FOR bonds!