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Welcome to
The Code Compliance Connection!
APRIL 2026
Small Actions. BIG Impact.
At Code Compliance Services, we know that small actions can create a big impact in our communities.
This newsletter is your source for updates, tips, resources, and success stories that show how residents like you help keep Dallas safe, clean, and beautiful. Each month, we’ll share ways you can play a part in keeping our city thriving.
In this edition you will find the following:
Assistant Director Christylla Miles
From the field to the office, Code Compliance Services is making a difference every day by working together to keep Dallas safe, clean, and thriving.
In this month’s Director’s Message, Code Compliance Assistant Director of Nuisance Abatement Christylla Miles shares insight into the dynamic nature of overseeing nuisance abatement, finance, and marketing—highlighting the need for versatility, prioritization, and reliance on subject matter experts to keep operations running effectively.
With a focus on maintaining balance across competing priorities, the role requires constant evaluation of urgent needs, delegation, and strategic decision-making.
Click here to view Director's Message.
April 4
Branching Out
Volunteer Tree Planting
Barry Barker Park
3721 Briargrove Lane
Dallas, TX 75287
Join Dallas City Council and Dallas Park and Recreation Board members at these
community reforestation activities to keep City of Dallas parks green.
All volunteers should wear closed toe shoes.
Register Here: Form Center • Spring Volunteer Tree Planting - FY 25-26
https://www.dallasparks.org/FormCenter/PMO-Forms-21/Spring-Volunteer-Tree-Planting-FY-2526-324
9 a.m.- 11 a.m.
April 7
Food Safety Training
Virtual
This resource is desinged to assist individuals and groups involved in unsheltered feeding events by providing clear access to training opportunites and complaince requirements. It reflects our ongoing efforts to educate and equip volunteers engaged in charitable street feeding, to promote safe and responsible food handling practices.
Join us for our virtual Food Safety Training (Chapter 17.1-6) on the first Tuesday of each month to learn safe and responsible food handling practices.
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9:00 a.m. - noon
Register here: https://forms.office.com/g/8dtFtX3aub .
April 11
Community Clean Trash-Off
W.W. Samuell High School
8928 Palisade Dr. Dallas, TX 75217
Dispose of bulk trash, tires, household hazardous waste, and documents for shredding—free of charge!
Our citywide cleanups have removed thousands of pounds of debris, helping keep Dallas cleaner, safer, and more beautiful.
7 a.m. - 11 a.m.
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FIFA Dallas: Grow a Greener Dallas for the World Cup
Community Tree Planting Event
Churchill Park
7025 Churchhill Way
Dallas, TX 75230
As Dallas prepares to welcome the world for the FIFA World Cup™, we have a
unique opportunity to showcase not only our passion for soccer, but our
commitment to a greener, healthier, and more resilient city.
We invite you to bepart of this legacy.
Join us as we plant trees, strengthen our neighborhoods, and
show the world that Dallas is ready to host sustainably, responsibly, and boldly.
Together, we’re growing a greener Dallas—forthe World Cup and beyond.
9 a.m.- 11 a.m.
Register Here
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FIFA Dallas: Green Ambassador Workshop
April 11- 12
University of Texas Dallas JSOM 2.722
800 West Campbell Rd.
Richardson, TX, 75080
Join us for a two-day Green Ambassador Workshop at UT Dallas with
interactive sessions, community service hours, and World Cup–
season programming.
As North Texas hosts visitors from around the globe for one of the world’s biggest sporting events, we have a chance to showcase not just our hospitality, but our dedication to protecting the planet.
Becoming a Green Ambassador helps you take meaningful action, inspire
others, and build skills for a sustainable future.
Register Here.
April 17
Required: Scrap Tire Training (STEP)
Virtual
All business owners, managers, and new agents must attend one of the required training sessions to maintain compliance with the City of Dallas Scrap Tire License Program.
Register Here: Required Scrap Tire (STEP) Training Registration
10:00 a.m.- noon
April 18
Keep Southern Dallas Beautiful
Park in the Woods
6801 Mountain Creek Pkwy.
Dallas, TX 75249
Volunteer Community Service Cleanup Event
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Step Up Dallas
Community Walk & Beautification
Exline Recreation Center
2525 Pine St,
Dallas, TX 75215
Small hands, big impact.
We need your help for our Community Walk/Clean-up Day!
Let’s come together to make Dallas a cleaner, brighter and better place for everyone.
Register Here.
8 a.m.- 2 p.m.
April 24
FIFA Dallas:
DFW Nature Challenge-
iNaturalist Weekend
April 24- 26
Explore nature hotspots around DFW and document as many species as you can using
the iNaturalist app.
Guided bioblitz events at parks and natural areas give you a chance to
discover wildlife, plants, and insects alongside fellow nature explorers.
Register Here.
April 25
Community Clean Trash-Off
Fretz Park
6994 Belt Line Rd. Dallas, TX 75254
Dispose of bulk trash, tires, household hazardous waste, and documents for shredding—free of charge!
Our citywide cleanups have removed thousands of pounds of debris, helping keep Dallas cleaner, safer, and more beautiful.
7 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Spring Community Pop-up Schedule
10 Stops in 10 Weeks.
Code Compliance Services is taking its staff on the road in Dallas!
Meet with Code to learn more about the resources and information
the department has available to you.
Get questions or concerns you may have answered.
Learn about how to create cases through 311.
9:00 a.m.- 11:00 a.m.
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Code Compliance Services Hosts
“Breakfast with Code”
Dallas Code Compliance recently hosted Breakfast with Code, bringing together Code Compliance officers and department leadership for a valuable opportunity to connect directly with council members. Held at the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, the event featured discussions with District 3 Councilman Zarin Gracey and District 4 Councilman Maxie Johnson.
The gathering provided a space for officers and leadership to engage with council members, share insights from the field, and strengthen alignment on key priorities impacting Dallas neighborhoods.
Events like Breakfast with Code support ongoing collaboration between frontline staff, department leadership, and City Council—helping ensure a unified approach to building safer, stronger communities.
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Coordinated Food Safety Efforts Underway for FIFA World Cup Preparations
The Code Compliance Department recently convened with federal partners to advance coordinated food safety efforts in preparation for the upcoming FIFA World Cup events.
Our team had the opportunity to meet with a Supervisory Investigator from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to align on inspection strategies, regulatory expectations, and proactive risk mitigation measures.
This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to protecting public health during a high-profile, high-volume international event. Over the anticipated 39-day festival period, the Code Compliance team will work in close partnership with federal agencies to ensure consistent standards, real-time communication, and a unified approach to food safety oversight.
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Community Prosecution Team
Did you know that our Community Prosecution team has a website accessible to the public where you can look up cases they are addressing?
Vacant, abandoned, and poorly managed/maintained properties harm communities. They breed hazardous building conditions, criminal activity, and other quality-of-life concerns. They threaten the health and safety of neighbors and impose significant economic costs on the larger community by lowering property values and requiring costly code and police enforcement.
To successfully remediate these problems, a community needs to have a broad range of tools and strategies at its disposal. By targeting these properties, cities can create safer and stronger neighborhoods, build more vibrant and economically sustainable communities, and provide new opportunities for success.
To seek redress in these areas, Community Prosecution has the authority to bring civil law enforcement actions to enforce state nuisance laws and city ordinances. While always seeking to resolve issues ahead of court intervention, when necessary, CPs initiate state district and municipal court cases. Additionally, some CPs are assigned to the Litigation Unit to ensure litigation cases are thoroughly investigated and aggressively pursued.
Check out the page here.
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Mosquito Season Preparation Checklist
As mosquito season approaches, early preparation is key to reducing mosquito activity and protecting public
health.
Here's how staff and the community can help get ready:
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Spring Into Action: Peak Season Is Here 🌱
As we move into the warmer months, we’re officially entering peak season, which runs from April through September. This time of year brings rapid grass growth, blooming vegetation, and an increase in outdoor cleaning and maintenance activities across our communities.
To help keep your property in compliance and looking its best, we encourage all customers to stay proactive with routine upkeep.
Vegetation & Lawn Care
With grass and weeds growing quickly, please make sure:
• Weeds and grass are maintained below 12 inches in height
• Overgrown vegetation is trimmed and properly managed
Spring Cleaning & Property Maintenance
Spring is the perfect time to refresh your property. Be sure to:
• Remove trash, debris, and unwanted materials
• Keep your premises clean, safe, and free of litter
• Do not place items out before the approved bulk/brush set out date.
Important Reminder About Notices of Violation
If you receive a Notice of Violation for a premise-related concern—such as:
• High weeds
• Overgrown vegetation
• Litter or debris
Please note that the notice remains valid for one (1) year. This means recurring issues of the same nature during that period may lead to further enforcement actions without additional warnings.
For more information on common code requirements or to learn about potential violations, please visit us at: Code Compliance Neighborhood Code
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2026 MPO Pool Operation Class Schedule
Chapter 43A of the Dallas City Code requires all pool and spa facilities to have a certified Manager of Operations, with certifications renewed every two years. The Department of Code Compliance provides all training courses.
To register, submit the Manager of Pool Operations (MPO) Registration Form with your preferred class date. The fee is $50 per person (non-refundable), paid by check or money order to the City of Dallas.
Payments must be submitted or mailed to the Special Collections Division at 1500 Marilla St., Suite 2DS, Dallas, TX 75201. Payments are not accepted at class.
Classes run from 9 a.m.–1 p.m., with Spanish-language sessions available on select dates. To cancel or substitute, call (214) 671-2791 at least three business days before class.
For more information, contact the Multi-Tenant Inspection/Pool Program at (214) 671-2791.
English MPO Class
April 15, 2026
9 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Spanish MPO Class
April 8, 2026
9 a.m.- 1 p.m.
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Community Hand Tool Program
Does your non-profit organization or group need gardening tools to complete a beautification project?
Code Compliance can help by providing free access to our tools.
Email ccscommunityoutreach@dallas.gov for more information.
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The FOUR D's:
Dress. Deet. Drain. Dusk to Dawn.
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We Want to Hear From YOU!
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Neighborhood Code
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To learn more about our Code divisions, what they do, and how they can support you please click the link below.
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Sybil Henry
With eight years of service to the City of Dallas, including the past three with Code Compliance Services, Sybil plays a key role in ensuring the Nuisance Abatement office operates smoothly and efficiently each day. As an Office Supervisor, she manages staff, coordinates meetings, schedules, and trainings, maintains office systems, and serves as a vital link between management and employees. Known for her strong problem-solving skills, she handles daily challenges with a focus on organization, productivity, and efficiency.
Driven by a passion for her community, Sybil shared, “My community motivates me—I want to be a part of the CHANGE!” That passion shines through in the work she does, especially when she’s out in the community seeing the direct impact of her team’s efforts and hearing positive feedback from residents. Guided by the advice to never stay too comfortable and to always seek new challenges, she continues to grow both personally and professionally.
Outside the office, she enjoys going on cruises and previously served as a Praise Team Leader at her church. When asked to describe her team, Sybil chose three words that reflect their culture and commitment: collaborative, driven, and customer service-oriented—qualities that are evident in their strong communication, dedication to excellence, and unwavering focus on serving the residents of Dallas.
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Did you know the City of Dallas has a dedicated team focused on ensuring boarding home facilities are safe, sanitary, and supportive for residents?
The Boarding Home Facilities Division plays a vital role in protecting some of our most vulnerable community members. Established through a City ordinance approved on May 27, 2015, this program regulates and licenses boarding home facilities to promote public health, safety, and overall well-being.
A boarding home facility is defined as a residence that provides housing for three or more unrelated individuals, along with services such as meals, transportation, housekeeping, or assistance with daily living tasks.
To ensure these homes meet City standards, the team:
- Reviews applications and conducts thorough inspections before issuing licenses
- Performs routine inspections every 90 days
- Responds to community concerns and complaints
- Works closely with operators to maintain compliance with City regulations
In 2023, additional requirements were introduced, including a 2,000-foot spacing rule for new facilities, further strengthening oversight and neighborhood balance.
Beyond enforcement, the division is also a resource for residents, operators, and community members—answering questions, providing guidance, and helping maintain transparency through regularly updated listings of licensed facilities.
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Welcome Manager Kashopra Rakestraw
to Nusiance Abatement
My name is Kashopra Rakestraw, and I have proudly served the City of Dallas for nearly 28 years, all within Neighborhood Code.
I am excited for the opportunity to join the Nuisance Abatement Team and to expand my experience by learning new processes while contributing the knowledge and skills I’ve developed over the years.
I bring a strong ability to structure, organize, and support operations in ways that add value to the team and enhance overall effectiveness.
In this role, my goals are to provide the highest level of customer service to both internal and external stakeholders, to continue improving quality of life by reducing nuisance activity through timely and effective abatements, and to ensure consistent, accountable enforcement practices; whether proactive or reactive.
I look forward to contributing to the team’s success and making a meaningful impact.
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Kudos to Supervisor Amy Del Toro!
"I am writing today to applaud the work of Amy Del Toro. Her commitment to her job, her communication skills and her empathy to the taxpayers she serves are outstanding. In a climate of dissatisfaction of governments ability to get anything done, Amy truly stands out. My husband and I have lived at this address for 42 years. We have never had any City employee be as responsive and dedicated as Supervisor Del Toro".
Regards,
Vangela Cosby, Resident
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Take a look back at all of the work and engagement that has happened over the past month with our various Code Compliance Divisions!
The 25th Annual Reverchon Park Roundup / Cleanup
The 25th Annual Reverchon Park Roundup and Cleanup was a great success, bringing together more than 200 volunteers to help improve one of Dallas’ beloved parks. Volunteers worked across eight zones, taking part in activities like litter removal, mulching, planting in the Iris Garden, and enhancing the playground area.
Thousands of attendees visited throughout the day, including many who stopped by the City of Dallas Code Compliance booth for information, resources, and giveaways. Approximately 200 educational items and promotional materials were distributed to help residents stay informed and engaged.
The event also welcomed a variety of community groups, including local organizations, students, and volunteers from across the city. Code Compliance staff not only hosted an informational booth but also joined in the cleanup efforts alongside volunteers.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this milestone event a success. Together, we’re making a lasting impact in our community.
 
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Cleanup Effort on St. Augustine Drive
The City of Dallas recently completed a successful cleanup effort along St. Augustine Drive, thanks to a strong collaboration between the Heavy Clean Team and the Homeless Outreach Team (HOT), alongside Emergency Management & Crisis Response.
On February 24, three crews were deployed to address debris at multiple locations along St. Augustine Drive. Working together, the teams safely removed and abated more than 62 tons of debris, helping restore cleanliness and improve the overall environment in the area.
This coordinated effort reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to maintaining safe, clean neighborhoods while supporting residents and addressing community needs through teamwork and strategic response.
Thank you to all team members who contributed to the success of this project and continue to make a positive impact across Dallas.
 
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Teamwork in Action: Supporting Residents in Need
City of Dallas Code Compliance team members demonstrated the power of teamwork and quick response when community leaders reported a home damaged by fire, leaving the property in need of immediate assistance.
Supervisor Corey Blacksher responded promptly to assess the situation, followed by Manager Kashopra Rakestraw and Supervisor Rudy Ramos, who coordinated efforts to secure the site. With inclement weather approaching, the team acted swiftly to board up the home, helping protect the property from further damage.
This effort reflects the department’s strong commitment to collaboration, responsiveness, and service—ensuring residents receive support when they need it most.
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Honoring Women’s History Month
Women have played a vital role in shaping history and the modern workplace—breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations. From advancements in public health and science to leadership in government, business, and community service, their contributions have strengthened communities and driven meaningful progress.
Within Code Compliance Services, women work hard every day on the front lines and behind the scenes—serving residents, supporting operations, and helping maintain safe, clean, and healthy neighborhoods across our city.
Today, women continue to lead with innovation, collaboration, and resilience across all industries, inspiring positive change and helping build a stronger future for all.
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Use the link below to explore ways to volunteer with Love Your Block and other amazing initiatives making a difference in Dallas.
To volunteer with Keep Dallas Beautiful, visit our Linktree and click ‘Volunteer Sign Up’ to join activities and receive updates, or use the links below.
View the Adopt- A- Spot Dashboard
Click the link below to view our Adopt-A- Spot Dashboard to select an area of Dallas that you would like to volunteer at.
Check often as new locations are added to the map.
Grab some volunteers and help Keep Dallas Beautiful!
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CODE IS POWERED BY YOU!
Explore career opportunities that empower you to make a difference!
Visit often and apply early!
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Fill in the empty cells of a 9 x 9 grid with the numbers from 1 to 9, ensuring that each row, column, and 3×3 sub-grid contains all numbers from 1 to 9 without any repetitions.
Code Cracked
Here are the answers to last month's Crack the Code.
PATRICK | LUCK | GREEN | BAGPIPE| IRISH| IRELAND| DUBLIN | GOLD |CLOVER| MAGICAL
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