Dallas Housing Committee Members Face Scrutiny Over Unposted Meeting

A Tuesday meeting between four Dallas City Council members and a private group pitching homelessness solutions has triggered allegations that the officials violated the Texas Open Meetings Act by failing to post notice in advance.

Council members Cara Mendelsohn, Zarin Gracey, Lorie Blair, and Mayor Pro Tem Jesse Moreno, who are part of the Housing and Homelessness Solutions committee, convened in Mendelsohn’s office on Tuesday morning with philanthropists to explore potential services, as confirmed by Mendelsohn to KERA.

The meeting kicked off at 10:23 a.m., proceeding with introductions until 10:45 a.m., when Council Members Adam Bazaldua and Paula Blackmon made their entrance, as reported by Mendelsohn. The assembly saw the participation of four members, sufficient to meet the quorum requirement, as Bazaldua is also a member of the seven-person committee.

Bazaldua and Blackmon issued a joint statement claiming that the gathering violated state law. “Citizens deserve transparency in decision-making, allowing them to engage in the policymaking process rather than having discussions occur in secrecy, particularly on such a vital issue as homelessness,” the two stated. They indicated that they anticipate an investigation by the city attorney, as well as potentially the Dallas County district attorney.

The Texas Open Meetings Act requires that public notice be given in advance, typically 72 hours, whenever a quorum of a governmental body gathers to deliberate on issues within its jurisdiction. The legislation outlines that breaches may happen if individuals intentionally discuss these matters while establishing a quorum, even in the absence of a vote.

Mendelsohn, the committee chair, dismissed the allegation. She emphasized that the gathering was not considered an official meeting and pointed out that council members frequently engage with external groups. “No meeting materials were discussed while a quorum was present,” Mendelsohn stated in a text message, noting that there was no deliberation, vote, or agreement made.

Blair, who was also present, mentioned that she received an invitation from Mendelsohn just a day before. “This meeting took place in her office.” The meeting proceeded without an agenda or any notification regarding the attendees. “I was neither present nor performing any official role,” Blair stated in a release.

Blackmon argued that intent does not invalidate the law. “If it’s a matter that can be openly addressed and pertains to that committee, then there shouldn’t be a gathering of your committee behind closed doors with private sector individuals,” she stated to KERA.

As of Tuesday evening, there had been no public statements from Gracey and Moreno.