On November 5, Dallas voters will encounter two separate measures that share the name “Proposition A,” but each addresses a very different community need. The City of Dallas proposal seeks approval for a $443 million general‑obligation bond to fund a suite of public‑safety projects, while Dallas County’s measure would raise the county property tax to generate roughly $100 million annually for homelessness‑related programs.

City of Dallas bond proposal

The municipal Proposition A would allow the city to issue general‑obligation bonds to finance five public‑safety facilities. According to the city, the projects include a new Law Enforcement Training Center, a Public Safety Training Complex, an Emergency Operations Center, a 911 facility property room, an evidentiary vehicle storage facility, a crime lab, and a fire station. The city estimates that repayment of the bonds—principal plus interest—will total about $629.6 million over a term not exceeding 20 years.

State law requires the ballot language to include the phrase “THIS IS A TAX INCREASE” for bond measures, but the city notes that the bond financing itself does not directly raise the property tax rate for residents.

Dallas County homelessness tax proposal

Dallas County’s Proposition A asks voters to approve a higher property‑tax rate that would generate roughly $100 million each year. The additional revenue is earmarked for programs aimed at reducing homelessness, resolving encampments, helping individuals achieve self‑sufficiency, expanding access to mental‑health treatment, and providing stable housing.

Supporters estimate the tax increase would cost the average homeowner about $60 per year—approximately $5 per month. They argue the measure would create a dedicated, ongoing funding source for homelessness services at a time when federal pandemic‑era assistance is winding down.

Why the name overlap matters

Both measures include the mandated “THIS IS A TAX INCREASE” language, which has raised concerns about voter confusion. Ikenna Mogbo, chief housing officer for Metrocare Services, emphasized the importance of distinguishing the two items. “This is a once‑in‑a‑lifetime opportunity for our community to really have an ongoing way to address this vulnerable population,” Mogbo said, urging voters not to conflate the county’s homelessness measure with the city’s public‑safety bond.

Voters can find detailed information on the City of Dallas 2026 Bond Election website and the Dallas County official website.

What voters should consider

• Purpose: The city measure funds police, fire and emergency facilities; the county measure funds homelessness and mental‑health services.
• Cost impact: The city bond’s repayment is spread over up to 20 years and does not directly raise the property tax rate, while the county measure would add about $60 per homeowner annually.
• Long‑term benefits: Proponents argue the bond will enhance public safety infrastructure, and the tax increase will provide stable funding for critical social services.

As the election approaches, local media and civic groups are encouraging residents to read the official ballot language and understand how each Proposition A will affect their community.

Original reporting: Richardson, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.