City Council District 7 Candidates Tackle Housing and Safety in Southeast Dallas

Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Adam Bazaldua is vying for a fourth term against deputy ombudsman Jose Rivas Jr., community engagement manager O’Neil Hesson, project manager Cydney Walker, and CEO Lamar “Yaka” Jefferson. There is also one write-in candidate, Marvin Crenshaw, a previous D7 hopeful.

As a real estate-focused news outlet, CandysDirt.com is asking candidates about the housing issues their district neighborhoods face — and the more difficult question, what can be done as a city council member to improve housing affordability in Dallas.

May 3 Election: If you’re not sure what your city council district is, you can search your address for your city council district on the City of Dallas website. Alternatively, visit the city’s ArcGIS map to search your City of Dallas address.

CandysDirt.com extended these questions to each Dallas City Council candidate, offering them the opportunity to speak directly to our readers and their constituents. Here are unedited and unabridged responses for Cydney Walker and Lamar “Yaka” Jefferson in the order they were received. Adam Bazaldua, Jose Rivas Jr., O’Neil Hesson, and Marvin Crenshaw did not respond.

Cydney Walker: Legacy homeowners in South Dallas being affected by rising property taxes and code enforcement efforts. Many of these homeowners, particularly the older population on fixed incomes, struggle to afford necessary home repairs and face citations that could lead to court appearances. Additionally, many residents have been waiting for city assistance with home repairs, but the process has been ineffective. The district’s councilperson should lead the charge addressing the needs of the community and have staff assist homeowners with their concerns to bring forth a solution to council, if a vote is needed.

More moderately priced homes, particularly for individuals or families earning up to 80% of the median income. Housing projects in areas with Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts, such as District 4, could provide homes in the $200-300k range, as opposed to the higher prices of $350-500k. This would help improve the district’s quality of life by expanding the tax base and attracting businesses that can provide necessary services and amenities, such as grocery stores. Overall, District 7 has a lot of opportunity to provide mixed income housing. The Buckner Terrace and sounding neighborhoods can continue to provide mixed housing and not just focus on workforce housing or higher end priced homes.

South Dallas is being rebuilt slowly, and more new homes are here. The challenge I keep hearing from legacy homeowners and people who want to buy a home are prices. The South Dallas/Fair Park and Grand Park South TIF are instruments to use for funding projects to provide more mixed prices rentals/homes to meet a varied income base that resides or wants to reside in Dallas. Affordable housing is critical to any city, and I am using this term to mean, housing people can afford without paying more than 50% of their take home income to keep a roof over their head. These needs I have addressed are not unique to District 7, but felt all over the city, state and country.

Lamar “Yaka” Jefferson: The most pressing housing needs in District 7 revolve around:

• Lack of Affordable Housing and or Affordable Financing for Homeownership – Rising property values and gentrification are driving long-term residents out.
• Homelessness & Displacement – Many are experiencing financial hardship, leading to increased homelessness.
• Substandard Housing Conditions – Many rental properties are in disrepair due to landlord neglect and lack of enforcement.
• Homeownership Barriers – High property taxes, predatory lending, and systemic inequality prevent residents from owning homes.

Constitutional Foundation

Fifth Amendment – Takings Clause: “Nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.” The city must ensure that redevelopment and infrastructure projects do not unfairly displace long-term residents without proper safeguards.

Fourteenth Amendment – Equal Protection Clause: All people deserve equal protection under housing laws, ensuring access to safe, stable, and affordable housing for all residents, not just developers and high-income earners.

Legal Maxims

“Salus populi suprema lex esto” (The welfare of the people shall be the supreme law) – Housing security must be a priority for the city, ensuring stability for all.

“Lex semper dabit remedium” (The law always provides a remedy) – When people suffer from homelessness or displacement, the law must provide solutions.

Biblical Understanding

Leviticus 25:35 – “If your brother becomes poor and cannot maintain himself with you, you shall support him as though he were a stranger and a sojourner, and he shall live with you.” Yaah (יהוה) commands us to care for those in need, ensuring that housing is accessible and secure for all members of the community.

Council-Level Solutions

As a City Council Member, I will advocate for:

• Expanding Affordable Housing – Reform zoning laws to incentivize more affordable housing and provide city-funded assistance for first-time homebuyers.
• Stronger Tenant Protections & Code Enforcement – Increase penalties on landlords who fail to maintain safe and habitable conditions and provide legal assistance for renters facing wrongful evictions.
• Anti-Gentrification Policies – Push for policies that prevent forced displacement, such as property tax caps for long-term residents and inclusionary housing requirements.
• Homeownership Support – Increase first-time homebuyer programs and protect against predatory lending.
• Investment in the Dallas Transformation Center (DTC) – Address homelessness with real solutions, not just temporary shelters.

The Dallas Transformation Center (DTC): The DTC will be a centralized, community-focused facility outside District 7 where those experiencing hardship can find shelter, job training, and resources to rebuild their lives. Inspired by Haven for Hope but better, it will ensure that individuals receive rehabilitation, employment opportunities, and life skills training to transition back into stable housing and self-sufficiency.

We must not just house people but transform their lives. This center will serve as a beacon of hope for those needing a fresh start.

“A decent home is not just a shelter, it is the foundation of a thriving society.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt

Yaah (יהוה) calls us to build a just society where no one is left behind. Housing is not a privilege; it is a necessity for human dignity.

Cydney Walker: Enforcement of registering STRs in neighborhoods. Limit parking (one-two permitted cars on the street) to the STRs to limit traffic and increase noise pollution to the neighborhood. The council can place a cap on the number of STRs in residential neighborhoods and incentivize owners to have STRs closer to business and entertainment districts.

This topic was discussed in Coffee and Politics 101 with Tom Forsyth discussing the disruptions STRs can bring to neighborhoods. We cannot police individuals renting out portions of their homes and the entire home to STRs, but controls can be put in place to continue the continuity of neighborhoods while providing flexibility with limiting rentals in established communities.

Lamar “Yaka” Jefferson: Dallas faces growing concerns over short-term rentals (STRs) in residential neighborhoods, particularly with platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo. While they provide income opportunities, they also lead to rising property values, noise disturbances, and community displacement. The city must strike a balance between property rights and neighborhood stability.

Constitutional Foundation

Fifth Amendment – Takings Clause: “Nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.” The government cannot arbitrarily ban STRs without considering the property rights of homeowners. However, the city can regulate them to protect the community.

Fourteenth Amendment – Equal Protection Clause: STR regulations must be applied fairly across all neighborhoods to prevent favoritism or discriminatory enforcement.

Legal Maxims

“Salus populi suprema lex esto” (The welfare of the people shall be the supreme law) – Community stability must come before corporate profit.

“Sic utere tuo ut alienum non laedas” (Use your property in such a manner as not to injure that of another) – Property owners cannot exploit STRs to the detriment of their neighbors.

Biblical Understanding

Proverbs 22:28 – “Do not move the ancient landmark that your fathers have set.”
Yaah (יהוה) commands us to respect boundaries and maintain community integrity. STRs, if unregulated, disrupt neighborhoods by driving out families and raising rents, making it harder for people to stay in their own homes.

Council-Level Solutions
As a City Council Member, I will advocate for:

• STR Zoning Restrictions: Allow STRs only in designated zones, keeping them out of single-family residential neighborhoods. Restrict corporate STR ownership to prevent outside investors from buying up entire communities.
• STR Licensing & Regulations: Annual licensing with strict compliance requirements (inspections, noise limits, parking restrictions). Higher tax rates on STRs to reinvest in affordable housing programs.
• Neighborhood Protections: Limit the number of STRs per neighborhood to prevent over-saturation.
  Enforce noise and nuisance regulations with severe penalties for repeat violations.
• Revenue for Housing Solutions: STR tax revenue should fund affordable housing projects and contribute to the Dallas Transformation Center (DTC) to help those displaced by rising housing costs.
• The Dallas Transformation Center (DTC): STRs have contributed to rising rents and homelessness in Dallas. The DTC will provide real solutions by offering housing, job training, and rehabilitation services in a centralized location outside District 7. Instead of displacing residents, Dallas must invest in rebuilding lives. STR policies should include funding to support this effort.

“A house is made of walls and beams; a home is built with love and dreams.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Yaah (יהוה) calls for justice and community stability. STRs should serve Dallas residents first, not out-of-town investors profiting at the expense of our neighborhoods.

Cydney Walker: The continued push for more density of our neighborhoods when the overall infrastructure of the city doesn’t support increased traffic flow. Dallas is not a real walkable city and DART still needs work on moving people out of their cars and onto public transportation. Many industries for professional work are still not in Dallas proper – I.e. tech jobs which are in Plano and Frisco still demand people to drive to work. With decreasing remote job opportunities, Dallas fails to address the improvements needed for public transit that supports the density wanted in southern Dallas and how people will get around with minimizing congestion.

Secondly, home owners concerns about multi-family dwellings being near their homes is valid, but the city can continue to utilize higher building codes near entertainment districts, like Fair Park to accommodate more housing, while the interior of neighborhoods continue to appeal to home owners and longer term renters.

Addressing this topic on Coffee and Politics 101 with Tom Forsyth and John Botefuhr reviewing the updates to the plan and feeling more confident the city is moving in a better direction. The plan isn’t perfect and will continue more updates as the city grows.

Lamar “Yaka” Jefferson: ​The adoption of ForwardDallas 2.0 aims to guide the city’s development, but I have concerns regarding its impact on fundamental rights, respect for the constitution, poverty, job, family stability, crime, and substance abuse. Critics argue that the plan focuses more on urban aesthetics and density rather than addressing the root causes of these social issues.​

Constitutional Foundation:

Preamble of the U.S. Constitution: It emphasizes the government’s role to “promote the general Welfare,” suggesting that urban planning should prioritize the well-being of all citizens, especially the underserved.​

Legal Maxims:

“Salus populi suprema lex esto” (The welfare of the people shall be the supreme law): This principle underscores that policies should prioritize the community’s well-being over infrastructural grandeur.​

Biblical Understanding:

Proverbs 29:7: “The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” Yaah (יהוה) calls for leaders to ensure that development plans address the needs of the impoverished and marginalized.​

Council-Level Solutions:

• Community-Centric Development: Shift focus from merely enhancing city aesthetics to creating programs that directly uplift families, reduce crime, and combat drug abuse.​
• Inclusive Policy-Making: Engage with local communities to understand their challenges and incorporate their input into actionable policies.​
• Resource Allocation: Prioritize funding for social services, education, and rehabilitation programs over purely infrastructural projects.​

Supporting Quote:

“The measure of a society is found in how they treat their weakest and most helpless citizens.” – Jimmy Carter​

Yaah (יהוה) calls for justice and compassion. Urban planning should reflect these values by prioritizing the needs of the people over the city’s image.

Cydney Walker: Infrastructure – there are many TIF districts in Dallas to address many of these concerns. Specifically in D7, storm drainage is needed near the DART train station for the Green line near Walgreens. The standing water is a hazard that allows for breeding of mosquitos, but also is an eye sore. This area could serve the city and district with business development and this has been hindered by not addressing the storm drainage issue that has existed for years. A small investment for the betterment of the district and tax base of the city.

I want to highlight the ongoing law enforcement shortage in Dallas and emphasizes the importance of community involvement in public safety. I advocate for revitalizing community watch groups, training youth and other residents to patrol neighborhoods and serve as an additional layer of security. By addressing the gap in police presence, especially due to officers spending time on moving violations, community patrols can help prevent other crimes. I want to mention the effectiveness of neighborhood watch programs, which can reduce burglaries by up to 26%, even though other sources may stated these programs are ineffective. We also need to conduct security surveys and training residents, including youth and seniors, to help improve safety. These efforts are seen as crucial steps while Dallas works to increase the police force.

Lamar “Yaka” Jefferson: Residents have spoken loud and clear—in a community survey, they said their top priorities are public safety and infrastructure. So, what is the Dallas City Council actually doing about it? If these are the top concerns of the people, why does it seem like the city’s leadership is more focused on expansion for image rather than stability for its citizens?

Crime in Dallas: A Public Safety Crisis

The crime rate in Dallas is significantly higher than both the state and national averages. How can we ever be safe if the city continues to mismanage law enforcement resources?
Overall Crime Rate: 47.66 incidents per 1,000 residents
Violent Crime Rate: 6.74 per 1,000 residents (higher than the national average of 4)
Property Crime Rate: 40.93 per 1,000 residents (more than double the national median of 19)

Breakdown of Specific Offenses:
Murder: 0.19 per 1,000 residents
Rape: 0.37 per 1,000 residents
Robbery: 1.58 per 1,000 residents
Assault: 4.59 per 1,000 residents

Despite these statistics, Dallas is operating with only 3,118 officers, equating to 2.31 officers per 1,000 residents. The people voted for Proposition U in November 2024 to require 4,000 officers, yet the city has failed to implement this or even provide transparency about its plan.

We cannot achieve public safety if we have poverty, corruption, and law enforcement mismanagement. Fathers should be coming home from good-paying jobs to sit at the dinner table with their families. That is real public safety. Instead, we see the rich getting richer, while working-class families struggle just to survive.

The Broken Law Enforcement System: Too Many Chiefs, Not Enough Officers
Another critical issue is the fragmentation of law enforcement agencies. Too many jurisdictions, not enough coordination. We have Dallas Police, the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office, constables, state law enforcement, and independent police departments across different cities within the county. Instead of a unified force, we have too many chiefs and not enough officers on the ground.

We need County-Wide Law Enforcement Reform where agencies work under one coordinated system with one primary chief authority. A fragmented system leads to delayed response times, inefficiency, and overlapping jurisdictions.

This is about strategic resource allocation—a single, centralized law enforcement group can prioritize areas most in need and ensure equal protection for all communities.

Constitutional Foundation

Preamble of the U.S. Constitution: The government’s duty is to “insure domestic Tranquility” and “promote the general Welfare.” Yet, what we see in Dallas is a broken system.

Legal Maxims

“Salus populi suprema lex esto” (The welfare of the people shall be the supreme law): Public safety must come before vanity projects and political deals.
“Sic utere tuo ut alienum non laedas” (Use your property in such a manner as not to injure that of another): Yet, the city allows streets to deteriorate, affecting citizens’ private property while failing to enforce the law equitably.

Biblical Understanding

Proverbs 29:4 – “By justice a king gives a country stability, but those who are greedy for bribes tear it down.”
Yaah (יהוה) calls for leadership that upholds justice and integrity. Without moral leadership, the city, the county, and eventually the nation itself will fall.

Council-Level Solutions
As a City Council Member, I will demand:

• Full Implementation of Proposition U: Provide immediate transparency on hiring, retention, and police funding. Ensure funds actually go to hiring officers, not administrative waste.
• County-Wide Law Enforcement Reform: Advocate for consolidate law enforcement resources for better coordination and efficiency. One unified command structure instead of multiple agencies stepping over each other.
• Comprehensive Infrastructure Reform in District 7: Mandatory city accountability for street damage—no more loopholes that deny residents compensation. Prioritize poor and underserved communities first before focusing on commercial expansion.
• A Moral and Public Safety Reset: Root out corruption by strengthening oversight on city contracts and budget allocations. Support job creation as a public safety measure—strong families create safe communities.

The Dallas Transformation Center (DTC): A True Public Safety Initiative
We cannot address public safety without addressing poverty and homelessness. Dallas must invest in the Dallas Transformation Center (DTC), a centralized rehabilitation and job training center outside District 7 that gives struggling people a real path forward instead of just shelters and short-term aid. A city can never be safe if people are desperate, unemployed, and left behind. Strong communities create strong public safety.

“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” – Coretta Scott King

Yaah (יהוה) calls for a society built on justice, morality, and integrity. Right now, Dallas lacks all three. We cannot build a safe and prosperous city when greed, corruption, and broken leadership stand in the way of progress.

It is time for a new vision. A vision where the people come first—not the city’s vanity projects, not the developers, and not the special interests. Only then can we rebuild the heart of Dallas.

Cydney Walker: My dedication to educating voters through the “Coffee and Politics 101” initiative, which started in 2016 will continue as a councilperson. The goal was focused on local issues and get residents who vote and don’t vote to understand the budget process at City Hall. As newcomer as a city councilperson, yes I am claiming it, the majority of our time will be spent on the budget that was laid out before joining the council. The following year after the holidays will be prioritizing future projects and focusing on getting the message out to constituents to be informed. No one should get a robo-call when the meeting is being held on the budget. Nor find out last minute regarding budget discussions. The citizens deserve better and need the proper education to understand why their local government is so important.

My leadership style is rooted in public service, listening to all residents, and embracing critics for different perspectives. My ability to make tough decisions and manage competing priorities, comes from my experience as a project manager. I am committed to continuing my mission of educating the public about city issues and being a leader who serves the people of District 7, regardless of whether they voted for me or not. Moving the city forward with all our residents/voters is vital to Dallas becoming the city we want.

Lamar “Yaka” Jefferson: Enough is Enough—It’s Time for Real Leadership
I want voters to know that enough is enough. How long will we sit and watch as year after year, our children grow up and leave, searching for opportunities elsewhere—while the light in our own city dims?
We are in dark times, in the city of Dallas.

Leadership has lost their way. Maybe they started with good ideas, but we all know—the road to hell is paved with good intentions. District 7 has been left behind, year after year, getting worse instead of better.

The Truth About Leadership & Fiscal Responsibility

Over the past six fiscal years, the City of Dallas has adopted a total budget of $25.67 billion:
FY 2019-2020: $3.79 billion
FY 2020-2021: $3.85 billion
FY 2021-2022: $4.35 billion
FY 2022-2023: $4.51 billion
FY 2023-2024: $4.62 billion
FY 2024-2025: $4.55 billion

Councilmember Adam Bazaldua has had his hands on nearly $25.67 billion of Dallas taxpayers’ money.
Yet—where has the money gone? How much of it has District 7 actually received?
Why are our roads still crumbling, our communities struggling, and our crime rate rising?
Why are we still waiting for results while the privileged areas of the city flourish?

I challenge him, right here and now, to show us where the money went. Because while our people are fighting to make ends meet, somebody’s getting paid.
You need to know where the money is, and who got it in their pocket—while too many of us are left holding the bag.
And the devil wears Prada—and you know what that means, they got some money.

Broken Promises & Failed Leadership

On Monday Night Politics – Feb 24th, Adam Bazaldua said: “IT DIDN’T HAPPEN OVERNIGHT, AND I CAN’T FIX IT OVERNIGHT.” Watch it for yourself: Adam Bazaldua at Monday Night Politics
https://www.youtube.com/clip/UgkxBGkiD9hxgzl3Qrwxrr3tSzLRHoJyTPmp

But let’s be honest—Adam has been in office for six years and If he gets another two, he still won’t fix anything, he said it out of his own mouth.

The Dallas Report: Bringing Transparency & Accountability to Every District
It’s time to turn the page and take control of our future. Right now, District 7 is losing—but together, we can change the game.

We need leadership that works for us—not against us. We need a fiscally responsible, conservative, and constitutional Yah (יהוה)-fearing servant who will fight to ensure that District 7 gets its fair share of the budget—every single year that I am in office.

No more empty promises. No more being left behind.
A public accountability system for every resident and voter.
Full transparency with city budget allocations, council agendas, and spending reports.

The Dallas Report: A citywide transparency and reporting system that will bring full accountability to the people—starting with District 7 and expanding to every district across Dallas.

With The Dallas Report, every resident—from adults to young future leaders—will be able to:

• Opt into real-time budget reports & city council updates to see exactly where your tax dollars are going.
• Submit requests, recommendations, and concerns to help shape the district’s priorities.
• Participate in district-wide polling to ensure that the people—not politicians—decide the vision for District 7.

Using Artificial Intelligence & Cutting-Edge Technology, We Will:

• Track city spending in real-time, ensuring no more hidden budgets.
• Create a transparent, accessible system for community engagement.
• Hold every district accountable so we end the mob-style favoritism where district above the I-30 takes everything, while South Dallas and other district —below I-30—gets scraps.
• The Dallas Report or known as TDR, will break down spending, policies, and city initiatives by district—so no community is left in the dark again. People will trust accept the truth and will always hate the lie and the lier.

The Dallas’ $7.51 Billion Debt Crisis:

Where Is the Money Going?
As of FY 2024-25, the City of Dallas carries $7.51 billion in outstanding debt:
General Obligation Debt: $2.90 billion
Equipment Acquisition Notes: $147.69 million
Certificates of Obligation: $616.97 million
Tax-Supported Debt: $3.67 billion
Convention Center Debt: $270.71 million
Dallas Water Utilities (DWU) Revenue Bonds: $3.57 billion
Total Revenue Bonds: $3.83 billion

Key Question: How much of this debt has actually benefited District 7?
Despite borrowing billions:
Why are our roads still crumbling?
Why does crime keep rising?
Why are corporations getting tax breaks while working-class residents struggle?
This isn’t just a budgeting problem—it’s a leadership problem.

Public Safety Spending: More Money, But No Results

The largest share of the budget goes to Public Safety, which includes the Dallas Police Department (DPD) and Dallas Fire-Rescue (DFR).

Dallas Police Department (DPD) Spending:
FY 2021-22: $565.9 million
FY 2022-23: $611.9 million
FY 2023-24: $656.9 million
FY 2024-25: $710.8 million

Dallas Fire-Rescue (DFR) Spending:
FY 2021-22: $335.7 million
FY 2022-23: $369 million
FY 2023-24: $413.4 million
FY 2024-25: $418.9 million

Where is the return on investment?
Too many chiefs, not enough officers.
A broken, fragmented law enforcement system.
No clear accountability for spending.

The Plan to Fix Public Safety: A Countywide Solution

• Eliminate duplication of police & fire services.
• Reduce costs by centralizing leadership under a single countywide command.
• Ensure resources go where they’re needed most, not based on city politics.
• Dallas taxpayers should not be forced to fund an inefficient system while crime remains a problem.

The District 7 Dream: A Future We Deserve

• Lower taxes while improving services.
• Reduce crime by strengthening families and investing in communities.
• Rebuild our roads, schools, and businesses so they thrive.
• Make District 7 so strong that in the future, people will ask—‘When did we get it right?’—and the answer will be, ‘It started now.’ This isn’t just a dream. It’s a plan. And it starts with you.

What’s Next?

• No more closed doors. No more backroom deals. It’s time for a system that works for the people—by the people.
• Within my first 100 days in office, The Dallas Report will be fully implemented.
• Every district will have full access to transparency and accountability tools.
• We will stop corruption in its tracks—together.
• This is leadership. This is transparency. This is how we win. This is how we change the game.

Join Me in This Fight for Accountability

Talk to your neighbors. Spread the message.
Make a donation to support this movement.
Email me and share your concerns.
Together, we will create a District 7 where the people—not special interests—come first.

Vote for Yaka.
They told us to wait for change. I say—we make change happen. Right now. Visit: www.voteforyaka.com