North Texas Voters Block $440M Bond and Arena Funding

Voters in North Texas have rejected multiple large-scale tax and bond measures, blocking hundreds of millions of dollars in proposed spending. Early results from Dallas County, the City of Dallas, and Plano indicate a decisive move against new financial obligations for homeowners and businesses.

In Dallas County, the property tax proposal known as Proposition A is projected to fail. With 80% of precincts reporting, the measure appears to have lost. The plan would have increased property tax bills to generate revenue for homelessness initiatives, housing support, and mental health treatment programs.

The City of Dallas also faces a defeat on its public safety bond. The proposed measure, valued at more than $440 million, was intended to fund police training facilities, emergency operations, and the replacement of aging police buildings. Supporters argued the money was necessary to complete construction at the UNT Dallas training site, where ground broke in September. The bond also included plans for a new gun range near Dallas Executive Airport.

City leadership described the bond as a vital step to modernize public safety operations. However, critics focused on a specific clause allowing the city to move its 911 call center out of Dallas City Hall. Opponents argued this move marked the beginning of an effort to vacate the historic building.

The campaign supporting the bond has already announced its next move. They plan to introduce revised bond language in May, aiming to address the concerns that led to the current rejection. This timeline suggests the fight over police funding will continue into next year.

In Plano, residents voted against a special venue tax by a 55% margin. This tax would have provided a revenue stream to help pay for a new Dallas Stars arena at the Willow Bend site. Local leaders stated they will seek alternative funding sources for the project.

Construction on the arena is currently underway. The Dallas Stars intend to open their 2031 season at the new facility, a target date that remains five years away despite the tax failure.