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 DoUpcoming Town Hall Meetings
Thursday, August 28 • 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: Lochwood Branch Library, 11221 Lochwood Blvd
Councilperson: Paula Blackmon
Virtual presentation available: Thursday, August 21
We ask Our Councilperson Paula Blackmon to step up and do her job by killing or blocking implementation of this very ill-conceived budget cost saving measure.
Thursday, August 28 • 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Walnut Hill Recreation Center, 10011 Midway Rd, Dallas, TX 75229
Host: Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Gay Donnell Willis
Tuesday, August 26 • 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: Willie B Johnson Recreation Center, 12225 Willowdell Dr, Dallas, TX 75243
Council Member: Kathy Stewart
Event Type: Free Event • Town Hall
Join Council Member Kathy Stewart for this important budget discussion. Your voice matters in shaping District 10's priorities for the upcoming fiscal year.
We Want Your Input on the City's Budget!
Join us at a town hall meeting to discuss the budget for the Fiscal Year 2025-26.
We invite all Dallas residents to weigh in on how the City's tax dollars are spent.
Residents can voice their opinions virtually, in-person, or through our Teletownhall.
Our series of Budget Town Hall meetings will be hosted by members of the Dallas City Council.
Looking for More Town Hall Meetings?
Check the official City of Dallas Calendar for all upcoming public meetings, town halls, and city events.
Make 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