Title
Discuss and consider the DART withdrawal election and consider approving Ordinance No. 3994 to repeal Ordinance No. 3977, canceling and rescinding the order of special election for withdrawal from the Dallas Area Rapid Transit System; and take appropriate action.
Body
REQUESTOR:
City Council
BACKGROUND:
Public transportation has historically been regarded as a shared regional investment intended to advance mobility, economic opportunity, environmental sustainability, and overall quality of life. The City of Farmers Branch continues to recognize the importance of reliable transit access for residents, employees, businesses, and visitors, as well as the broader regional value of coordinated mobility systems. At the same time, municipalities participating in regional transit systems must ensure that public resources are deployed transparently, accountably, and cost-effectively, while remaining responsive to evolving community needs.
On November 4, 2025, the Farmers Branch City Council adopted Ordinance No. 3977 ordering a special election to be held within the City on May 2, 2026, to consider dissolution of the City’s participation in the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) system, subject to the continued collection of sales taxes for the period required by applicable law.
At the request of DART, the City transmitted a formal letter dated December 17, 2025, identifying conditions the City considered necessary to support continued participation in the regional transit system. As of the date of this agenda item, DART representatives met with the City officials and are working to move the discussions forward, including the discussion on governance structure. However, discussions regarding service delivery and related matters remain ongoing. The City continues to collaborate with DART and partner member cities to address shared concerns and explore potential system improvements.
On May 2, 2026, voters in Farmers Branch, along with voters in Addison, Highland Park, Irving, Plano, and University Park, are scheduled to determine whether their respective cities will remain participants in or withdraw from DART, in accordance with applicable state law. Because continuity of mobility services is closely connected to public safety, economic stability, and quality of life, the City has undertaken contingency planning to evaluate potential alternative transit service models that could be implemented if withdrawal were approved by voters. This evaluation is intended solely to ensure uninterrupted service and does not predetermine or influence the outcome of the election.
DISCUSSION:
Approval of Ordinance No. 3994 would formally cancel the previously ordered May 2, 2026, special election concerning potential withdrawal from DART.
Additionally, the Texas Transportation Code § 452.651 establishes the legal authority and timing for a member city to call an election to withdraw from a regional transportation authority. While a governing body may order such an election or must do so upon receipt of a valid petition, the statute strictly limits the timing for authorities consisting of a single subregional board governed by Subchapter O to the calendar year 1996 and each sixth year thereafter, including 2026. Outside of these statutorily designated years, a withdrawal election cannot be ordered, and a petition cannot be accepted. This provision defines the controlling legal window for any consideration of withdrawal from DART.
Adoption of the ordinance would terminate further election-related actions associated with Ordinance No. 3977 and confirm the City Council’s direction regarding the City’s continued participation in regional transit governance, consistent with applicable state law and the City of Farmers Branch Home-Rule Charter.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Continued contribution of 1% of sales tax revenue.
DISTRICT:
Citywide
POSSIBLE COUNCIL ACTION:
1. I move to approve Ordinance No. 3994 as presented.
2. I move to approve Ordinance No. 3994, with modifications.
3. I move to table the issue for further study or take no action.
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Ordinance No. 3994