Title
Consider approving Resolution No. 2026-029 reaffirming the City Manager’s approval and ratifying an expenditure for an advance payment to Builders of Hope Community Development Corporation for the demolition and construction of single-family residences under the Valwood Park Revitalization Project in the amount of $95,000; and take appropriate action.
Body
REQUESTOR:
City Manager’s Office
BACKGROUND:
In 1999, the City of Farmers Branch established the Neighborhood Renaissance Program to encourage residential developers to build new homes in aging residential areas. As part of this initiative, the City purchased various residential lots to offer to residential builders. In 2009, the program was revamped to focus specifically on the Branch Crossing area until 2014. In 2023, the City partnered with Builders of Hope to construct five new homes in the Valwood Area.
On July 15, 2025, the City Council adopted a resolution authorizing City staff to execute a contract with Builders of Hope for the construction of up to 10 new single-family homes as part of the Valwood Revitalization Project in an amount not to exceed the $2.5 million, allocated by Dallas County through the Housing Replacement Program ARPA Funds. City staff have been working with Builders of Hope to ensure progress on various project milestones. Five homes have been built, with 10 more homes scheduled to be built in 2026.
DISCUSSION:
Neighborhood revitalization projects funded through Dallas County grants are subject to a multi-step process that includes grant award approval, execution of a formal funding agreement, and reimbursement of eligible expenses after costs are incurred. Funds are not provided upfront and may only be accessed once all contractual and regulatory requirements are satisfied. Delays in fund disbursement can occur due to administrative review and contract execution timelines, required environmental and procurement compliance, reimbursement documentation review, cash-flow limitations inherent in reimbursement-based funding, and external factors such as permitting or contractor availability. These delays are procedural and common for publicly funded projects.
To expedite the Valwood Revitalization Project, staff is proposing to reaffirm the approval of an advance payment of $95,000 to Builders of Hope, which will be reimbursed by Dallas County, and to authorize the issuance of a Notice to Proceed. The requested amount is within the City Manager’s approval authority; however, staff is seeking Council’s reaffirmation for transparency purposes.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Budgeted amount of $95,000 from the City’s Grant fund, reimbursable by Dallas County through the Dallas Replacement Housing Grant.
DISTRICT:
District 1
POSSIBLE COUNCIL ACTION:
1. I move to approve 2026-029 as presented.
2. I move to approve 2026-029, with modifications.
3. I move to table the issue for further study or take no action.
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Resolution No. 2026-029
2. Notice to Proceed
3. Construction Service Agreement