City Organization
Update: We need visitors and speakers for the 10/22/25 City Council Meeting (9:00 AM)
Next Event: City Council Meeting — Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: Dallas City Hall — Council Chambers
Following Event: Tuesday, October 28, 2025
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Fretz Recreation Center, 6950 Beltline Road
For official schedules, registration, and updates, see the City of Dallas Calendar.
How the City of Dallas Works — and Who's Accountable
The City of Dallas is run under a Council–Manager form of government.
Here's what that means:
City Council Members
- ✓ Elected by the public to represent their districts.
- ✓ Approve city policies, budgets, and key appointments.
- ✓ Hire and can remove the City Manager by majority vote.
City Manager
- ✓ Appointed by the City Council.
- ✓ Runs the day-to-day operations of the city.
- ✓ Oversees all city departments, including Sanitation Services.
Sanitation Director
- ✓ Reports directly to the City Manager.
- ✓ Responsible for operational decisions like service changes, routes, and policies for trash and recycling.
City of Dallas Governance — Accountability Chain
City Council
Elected officials • Approve & can remove
City Manager
Appointed by Council • Manages all city operations
Sanitation Director
Reports to City Manager • Makes operational decisions
Council Members: You Cannot Hide Behind General Statements
❌ What They Say:
-
"The decision has been made."
→ Ask: "By whom? When? Where's the vote?" -
"We don't get to vote on this issue."
→ Ask: "Why not? You appoint the City Manager!" -
"We are powerless."
→ Ask: "You can remove the City Manager!"
✅ What You Should Demand:
-
Specific accountability:
Who made this decision? When? -
Council oversight:
Demand a vote or public hearing -
Action plan:
What will you do to reverse this?
Remember: Council members have the power to hold the City Manager accountable. They can demand changes, reverse decisions, or even remove the City Manager if necessary.
See What You Can DoMake Your Voice Heard at City Hall
The Dallas City Council holds regular meetings where citizens can address the council directly. This is your opportunity to speak up about Keep Alley Trash and other important city issues.
Please sign up to speak on Keep Alley Trash's behalf at:
Registration Deadlines:
- • Opens: 8:15 AM the next business day after previous meeting
- • Closes: 5:00 PM the last business day before the meeting
- • You can register online, by phone, or by email
Contact Information:
- • Phone: (214) 670-3738
- • Email: secspeakerrequest@dallas.gov
- • Online: Use the button above