Advance excerpts from Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson’s 2024 State of the City Address
DALLAS — Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson on Thursday morning released select excerpts in advance of his State of the City Address.
Mayor Johnson will deliver the full speech at Dallas City Hall on Thursday, Dec. 5. The speech will be Mayor Johnson’s sixth State of the City address since taking office in June 2019.
Media are invited, and the speech will be livestreamed and broadcast on the city's public access channel.
The speech will fulfill a requirement of the City Charter. Mayor Johnson will use the speech to discuss the city’s progress in key areas and outline priorities for Dallas moving forward.
Excerpts
Mayor Johnson on his vision for Dallas:
“I have consistently shared my vision to build on Dallas’ strong momentum by focusing on what I have called the four P’s: public safety, parks, potholes, and property tax relief. These four pillars are essential to Dallas remaining a city of opportunity for everyone.”
“The people of Dallas resoundingly agree. This year, voters overwhelmingly approved the 2024 Bond Program, marking an historic investment in our streets, parks, and public safety — all without raising your taxes.”
Mayor Johnson on public safety:
“In order to be a city of genuine opportunity, Dallas must be safe, first and foremost. And thanks to our police department, Dallas is safe. In fact, Dallas stands proudly as one of the safest major cities in America. Over the past year, we have maintained an incredible streak in public safety, with violent crime falling for the fourth year in a row.”
“Dallas continues to defy the trends we see in other major cities thanks to the implementation of the data-driven public safety strategies in our Violent Crime Reduction Plan. But these strategies only work because of the daily dedication of our men and women in blue who put their lives on the line to keep the rest of us safe.”
Mayor Johnson on parks:
“When I became Mayor, I recommitted Dallas to the Trust for Public Land’s 10-Minute Walk Campaign — a pledge that every family in Dallas would be just a short stroll away from a park or trail. We are living up to that pledge by adding parks, trails, and green spaces at a record pace."
“Today, three-quarters of Dallas residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park, and the Trust for Public Land has ranked Dallas as having the best park system of any major Texas city.”
“Step into a Dallas park, and you’ll see a cross-section of our city — people of every age, background, and income level, all enjoying these spaces, together. Parks unite us, offering a place to gather, recharge, and experience the best of Dallas, side by side.”
“Our work is far from over. While we may have the best park system among Texas’ major cities, our vision doesn’t stop there. Our sights are set even higher: on having the greatest parks of any major city in America.”
Mayor Johnson on filling potholes:
“In addition to our incredible successes in public safety and parks, we’re also filling potholes and improving streets across our city. Like public safety and parks, well-kept streets are essential to a flourishing city.”
“In a world-class city like Dallas, no one should have to worry about blowing a tire in a pothole on their way to work. Residents have told us time and time again that Dallas needs better streets. And this year, we are answering their call.”
Mayor Johnson on property tax relief:
“We’re making historic strides in lessening your property tax burden. Just a few months ago, this City Council unanimously passed a budget that includes the largest single-year property tax rate reduction in Dallas history.”
Mayor Johnson on recent city elections:
“Dallas voters sent a resounding message to City Hall. Our residents told us loud and clear that they want more police officers on their streets and a city government that is more responsive, more accountable, and more transparent.”
“These calls from our residents for greater public safety and stronger government accountability could not be more clear. And City Hall must listen. I assure you that as Mayor, I hear you and I understand what is important to you. And I promise you that I will continue to champion accountability and to put public safety first.”
Mayor Johnson on hiring a city manager:
“It is of the utmost importance that Dallas hires a city manager who puts public safety first, prioritizes property tax relief, spends your tax dollars wisely, and delivers city services efficiently. We need someone who is capable, accountable, and committed to serving the people of Dallas.”
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