Dallas City Council Reduces Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying Contracts

The city of Dallas has taken a significant step in reducing taxpayer-funded lobbying contracts by eliminating a $339,000 appropriation for contract lobbying in the 2025-26 budget. This decision is a direct result of an amendment proposed by Mayor Johnson, which redirects the funds to reduce the property tax rate by $0.015 per $100 of value. The Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF) praises the decision, stating it will promote lower taxes, reduced spending, and a smaller government.

Key Takeaways:

• The city of Dallas has eliminated a $339,000 appropriation for contract lobbying in the 2025-26 budget.
• The funds, previously allocated for contract lobbying, will be redirected to reduce the property tax rate by $0.015 per $100 of value.
• Texas taxpayers spent up to $98.6 million on contract lobbyist expenses in 2023.
• James Quintero, policy director for TPPF's Taxpayer Protection Project, views this decision as a "very encouraging development that other cities should mimic."
• Quintero emphasizes that no government needs a contract lobbyist, particularly when elected officials have direct lines of communication to state representatives.
• The elimination of contract lobbying contracts undermines corruption, abuse, and violates public trust.
• The city's decision aligns with the Texas Public Policy Foundation's mission to promote limited government and fiscal responsibility.

Statistics:

• $339,000: The amount allocated for contract lobbying in the 2025-26 budget, which has been eliminated.
• $0.015 per $100 of value: The reduction in property tax rate as a result of the redirected funds.
• $98.6 million: The total amount spent by Texas taxpayers on contract lobbyist expenses in 2023.

Sources:

• The Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF)

https://www.texaspolicy.org/

• "TPPF Applauds City of Dallas for Reducing Contract Lobbyist Funding" press release, Texas Public Policy Foundation, September 18, 2025