Consider action to support Legislation Reforming the Governance Structure of Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART). Consider action to adopt a resolution Supporting Legislation Reforming the Governance Structure of Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) (Amendments to Chapter 452, Texas Transportation Code).

Staff Report & Agenda Item Details

On March 17, 2026, the Rowlett City Council authorized an Interlocal Agreement (ILA) with Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) to participate in the General Mobility Program (GMP), securing approximately $4.68 million in local transit funding allocations over a six-year period. A fundamental prerequisite and foundational element of that negotiated agreement was a structural revision to DART's regional governance model to ensure fair, proportional, and dedicated representation for all member cities. To operationalize and codify this agreed-upon governance realignment, amendments to state statutory law are required. Through intensive regional facilitation led by the North Texas Commission (NTC) and the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG), DART and all 13 Service Area Cities have reached a historic consensus on a unified legislative request for the upcoming 89th Texas Legislative Session. The proposed bill amends Chapter 452 of the Texas Transportation Code to establish a 21-member Board of Directors, guarantee every member city a dedicated voting seat, eliminate forced shared board members, cap maximum municipal voting power at 50%, and assign population-bracketed voting shares. Staff recommends formal Council authorization to sign support letters and engage in joint advocacy to advance this statutory change.

This motion is scored as EXPANDS_GOVERNMENT (Impact Weight: 2.1/10). Under the Bastiat Liberty Watchdog Index, measures that increase tax rates or fee schedules, issue new debt or Certificates of Obligation, expand regulatory/zoning restrictions on private land use, or authorize unbudgeted spending expansions reduce an official's Freedom Score when voted YES (and reward dissenting NO votes).