Take 5 Minutes to Stop "DART Killer" Bill Now!

In this article, you'll find urgent actions to stop a bill that would devastate DART funding, guidance on supporting parking reform in Dallas, and upcoming events May 13 to 17

May 13, 2025

🚍 Public Transit

URGENT: Submit letter & call states reps now!

I'll cut to the chase: DART will die if the state legislature passes HB 3187. Now is our last chance to stop it while the odds are in our favor. Please do the following as soon as possible:

Use this link to send a letter to your state representatives. Takes two minutes.
Call one or all members of the Texas House Calendars Committee (listed below) with a simple message: “I am calling to state my opposition to HB 3187. This bill will destroy DART.” Give your name and zip code if asked. The best time to call is between 9-5pm while offices are open. Takes one minute per call.

Todd Hunter, Chair - (512) 463-0672
Toni Rose, Vice Chair - (512) 463-0664
Terry Canales - (512) 463-0426
Stan Gerdes - (512) 463-0682
Cody Harris - (512) 463-0730
Ana Hernandez - (512) 463-0614
Ann Johnson - (512) 463-0389
Jeff Leach - (512) 463-0544
Janie Lopez - (512) 463-0640
Ramon Romero Jr. - (512) 463-0740
Carl Tepper - (512) 463-0676

Tips for calling state representatives

Keep it short—most likely, you’ll speak with a staffer who will simply note your position. It’s more effective to make several quick calls than spend too much time on one. Aim for about a minute per call.

If you want to go further, also oppose HB 3879 (which targets Austin’s light rail plans) and HB 4348 (which bans converting car lanes for safer, multi-modal use). Mentioning these bills boosts your impact.

Quick Summary of HB 3187

On February 21, Rep. Matt Shaheen (Plano) filed HB 3187, a bill that would slash DART funding and force a 30% cut in public transit service. If passed, it would double bus and train wait times, eliminate 18 bus routes, TRE, the streetcar, and several GoLink zones, jeopardize over $3.5 billion in transit-oriented development, forfeit a $500 million FIFA grant for the 2026 World Cup, eliminate 5,800 jobs, and reduce or eliminate service for over 100,000 daily riders. There is no upside—this bill would severely damage transportation across North Texas for generations.

On May 6, the Texas House Transportation Committee passed the bill. Its next stop is the House Calendars Committee, which decides if and when it moves to a full House vote. The committee has until May 15 to act. The bill dies in Calendars if Chair Rep. Todd Hunter (512-463-0672) doesn’t schedule it or if a majority of the 11 members vote it down.

🅿️ Parking Reform

Speak Up for Parking Reform at City Council – May 14

On Wednesday, May 14, Dallas City Council will consider a proposed amendment (DCA No. 190-002) to reduce—and in some areas eliminate—minimum parking requirements citywide.

To speak during public comment, use this link to submit a speaker card before Tuesday at 5:00 PM. Public comment may begin as early as 1:00 PM, but is more likely to start between 3:00–4:00 PM. See below for guidance on filling out the speaker card.

Meeting Date: 05/14/2025
Requested Time to Speak: Agenda Item
Agenda Item: PH1
How would you like to participate?: I recommend selecting “video conference” and preparing to speak on-camera from your computer. You can choose to speak in person, but see below for reasons why virtual may be a better option.
Whom do you represent: you can write an organization name or leave this blank.
Subject: you can write your own message or copy the quote below.

I support eliminating parking minimums within a half-mile around transit stations.

Tips for Speaking at City Council Meetings

Register to speak virtually and be prepared for delays. While public comment for Agenda Item PH1 is scheduled to start at 1:00 PM, ~~it will most likely begin much later—probably between 3:00 and 4:00 PM due to other agenda items~~. By registering virtually, you can monitor the meeting from your phone or computer and go about your day until it's your turn to speak. (UPDATE 1: Tip from a council staffer says they’re putting parking reform at the front of agenda so it’s expected to begin ~~right at 1:00 PM~~. Be ready for anything.) (UPDATE 2: We were closer to right the first time. Comments on Parking Reform estimated to begin between 3-4 PM)

Keep your comment under 2 minutes. Although speakers are usually given 3 minutes, time is often reduced to 2 when many people are signed up.

For real-time updates and to coordinate with fellow advocates, join Dallas Neighbors for Housing on GroupMe.

Background on Dallas Parking Reform

In 2019, city staff began exploring ways to reduce minimum parking requirements. After four years of research, they reached the same conclusion as Strong Towns, Parking Reform Network, the Urban Land Institute, authors like Donald Shoup and Jeff Speck, Better Block Foundation, and many advocates in Dallas and nationwide: eliminate parking minimums entirely.

In March 2024, the proposal passed its first test with approval from the Zoning Ordinance Advisory Committee (ZOAC), advancing it to the City Plan Commission (CPC). In March 2025, CPC approved a weakened version that keeps parking minimums in some zones and reduces them in others, rather than eliminating them citywide.

Despite the compromises, the proposal still includes strong elements—most notably, eliminating parking minimums within a half-mile of rail stations. Unfortunately, these impactful reforms are also the most likely to face push back.

🗓️ Other Events & Actions

CNU NTX Happy Hour @ The Bearded Lady in Fort Worth, May 15, Thursday 5:30 PM

Come connect with fellow urbanists, city lovers, and community-minded folks at our upcoming happy hour at the Bearded Lady in Fort Worth! Whether you're already involved with CNU or just curious to learn more, all are welcome at this informal meetup. Bring a friend!

Dallas Urbanists Bimonthly Mixer “Multi-Modal May” @ Ye Olde Scarlet Pumpernickel in Downtown Dallas, May 17, Saturday 5:00 PM

What do walking, cycling, buses, trains, Bird scooters, and even dragon boats have in common? They're all modes of transportation! "Multi-modal" means using more than one mode of travel in a single trip, like biking to a train station or taking a scooter to catch a bus. Do you use a multi-modal commute or have a memorable trip to share? We’d love to hear about it! Submit your story with your RSVP for a chance to be featured in our event slideshow (optional).

DATA Monthly General Meeting @ Dallas Central Library, May 17 Saturday 1:30 PM

Come to the monthly meeting of Dallas Area Transit Alliance for all things public transit advocacy in the Dallas area. As usual, we'll debrief on HB 3187 efforts and discuss next steps.

National Bike to Work Day @ Multiple DART Rail Stations, May 16 Friday

Commuting by bike and DART is a cost-effective, earth-friendly alternative to the single-occupancy vehicle. Join us at one of our Bike to Work Day events. Enjoy giveaways, snacks, helpful information and more! Bike to Work Challenge Award given at 12:30 PM at Akard Station

Dallas Bike Ride, May 17, Saturday 8:00 AM

Dallas’s only car-free social ride is back! Dallas Bike Ride is a fun, leisurely celebration on two wheels, welcoming riders of all levels to cruise past iconic city sights at their own pace. Join the ride by registering at register.dallasbikeride.com, and get 15% off with code "DALLASLOVESBIKES" thanks to community partner Dallas Bicycle Coalition. Corrals open at 6:00 AM, the ride starts at 8:00 AM, and the Finish Festival kicks off at 8:30 AM. Learn more at https://dallasbikeride.com.

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