Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson recently spoke before Congress about his plans to increase affordable housing in the city. He emphasized the importance of relying on the private sector to build more homes in order to meet the growing demand caused by economic growth and population influx in Dallas. The mayor’s testimony before the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs focused on the need to reframe the narrative around homelessness and housing affordability.
During the hearing, Mayor Johnson stressed the effectiveness of streamlining zoning and working with private developers to increase housing starts. He highlighted the city’s efforts to reduce the time it takes to get a residential building permit, from 68 days in 2022 to just eight days in 2025. Johnson believes that cutting red tape and allowing the private sector to build new homes at various price points will help address the housing affordability crisis in Dallas.
Councilman Chad West, who serves on the city’s housing committee, echoed the need for additional funding for existing Housing and Urban Development programs to support affordable housing initiatives. He also emphasized the importance of tackling homelessness in the city, noting the success of programs like the one that effectively ended veteran homelessness in Dallas in 2024.
Overall, Mayor Johnson and Councilman West agree that addressing the housing crisis in Dallas requires a multifaceted approach that involves both public and private sector collaboration. The city’s efforts to reduce homelessness and increase affordable housing options serve as a model for other communities facing similar challenges.
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