DALLAS, Texas — The future of Dallas City Hall could advance toward a major decision on June 17 after Mayor Eric Johnson called a special Dallas City Council meeting to consider steps related to vacating the building, according to city documents and council agenda materials.
The agenda for the Wednesday meeting includes authorization for Dallas City Manager Kim Tolbert to begin initial actions related to leaving the current Dallas City Hall site.
The proposed vote follows prior council action in which the Dallas City Council considered relocation options but did not approve renovation plans for the existing building.
A separate vote on City Hall renovations failed by a 9–6 margin.
A Dallas County judge previously blocked an earlier council vote on relocation after three council members filed a lawsuit challenging the process.
Johnson has said relocation would provide a more cost-effective and long-term solution for city operations, employees, and residents.
Opponents of relocation, including the coalition Save Dallas City Hall, have argued that the city must comply with Texas Parks and Wildlife Code requirements and that any sale of the property would require voter approval.
The group has also argued that a supermajority vote is required for relocation, citing provisions in the city charter. The prior 9–6 vote fell short of that threshold.
Council members have previously reviewed cost estimates for maintaining or repairing the I.M. Pei-designed building, with estimates ranging from hundreds of millions of dollars to more than $1 billion depending on the scope of work and timeline.
Supporters of preserving the building have cited its architectural and civic significance, while some council members have argued that the decision should focus on long-term financial impacts and taxpayer costs.
The special Dallas City Council meeting is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, June 17.
