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 ...
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