Dallas County is reviewing a new property tax proposal aimed at creating steady, long-term funding to address homelessness through housing and outreach programs, according to a report from KERA.
Housing Forward and the All Neighbors Coalition submitted the Homeless Response Tax Proposal, which would cost the average county property owner about five dollars a month. The money would support sustainable efforts to move thousands of people from shelters and streets into housing and prevent overflow encampments when shelters reach capacity.
The proposal will be presented Monday to the Dallas County Continuous Improvement Steering Committee. Commissioners, chaired by Commissioner Andy Sommerman, will then decide whether to add it to the full Commissioners Court agenda. If approved there, the court would vote on placing the measure on the November ballot. The ballot language would spell out the tax’s purpose and amount, similar to a bond election.
The push for ongoing revenue follows recent one-time investments. In January, Dallas County approved $10 million for Housing Forward’s Street to Home initiative, matching $10 million from the City of Dallas. Officials note those funds are temporary and will not cover future needs.
Housing Forward President and CEO Sarah Kahn stressed the importance of reliable dollars. “We need sustainable funding — whatever source that comes from,” she said, adding that consistent resources are required year after year to meet annual demand and avoid spikes in street homelessness.
The measure would give voters the final say on whether to create this dedicated funding stream.
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