Title
Consider approving Resolution No. 2026-036, supporting the adoption of an improved governance structure for the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Authority Board in collaboration with the twelve other member cities; and take appropriate action.
Body
REQUESTOR:
City Council
BACKGROUND:
The Dallas Area Rapid Transit Authority (DART), established by the Texas Legislature in 1983, provides regional transportation services to Addison, Carrollton, Cockrell Hill, Dallas, Farmers Branch, Garland, Glenn Heights, Highland Park, Irving, Richardson, Rowlett, Plano, and University Park.
The City of Farmers Branch is committed to providing safe, reliable transportation for its residents. The City has consistently sought accountability from DART for the more than $500 million contributed by Farmers Branch citizens since 1984. The City will continue to work with DART to develop a governance model that best represents the interests of Farmers Branch residents and ensures representation.
At their September 4, 2025, regular meeting, where representatives from DART and all member cities were present, the North Texas Commission (NTC) appointed six city managers to a subcommittee (the “Subcommittee”) to review DART board governance and member city representation. The subcommittee, consisting of representatives from Dallas, Garland, Irving, Plano, Richardson, and Rowlett, met several times in September and October. On November 13, 2025, the subcommittee presented a recommendation, pending approval by member City Councils, for proposed legislation to amend the DART board membership structure.
The subcommittee is finalizing the specific vote weights for each member city. No single member city will have a weighted vote exceeding 49.9%, and each city will have at least one representative, with voting weight based on its share of the total population of DART member cities.
This proposal reflects the efforts of all the cities represented on the subcommittee, particularly Dallas and Irving, whose contributions led to the recommended governance improvements.
DISCUSSION:
The City will continue to collaborate with DART on governance models that better represent the City of Farmers Branch.
The current Board comprises 15 members, each with one vote. The City shares one board member with Plano, while the City of Dallas has the most representatives, with 8, including the member they share with the City of Cockrell Hill.
Under this proposal, each city would have at least one board representative, with voting weight in proportion to its population. No city would hold more than 49.9% of the total vote.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None
DISTRICT:
Citywide
POSSIBLE COUNCIL ACTION:
1. I move to approve Resolution No. 2026-036 as presented.
2. I move to approve Resolution No. 2026-036 with modifications.
3. I move to table the issue for further study or take no action.
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Resolution No. 2026-036