Dallas Group Launched City Hall Referendum Drive

The Save Dallas City Hall Coalition is seeking 20,000 signatures to block relocation from the historic building.

Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Civic Engagement

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a municipal building silhouette, symbolizing civic policy and government administration. — The Save Dallas City Hall Coalition has launched a petition drive to force a referendum on the potential relocation of municipal operations from 1500 Marilla Street. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should local voters have the final say on the future of major city-owned buildings?

The Save Dallas City Hall Coalition has initiated a formal effort to place a referendum on the ballot regarding the future of the municipal building at 1500 Marilla Street. The group aims to force an election that would require voters to approve any potential relocation of City Hall operations.

Why it matters

Coalition members argue that moving City Hall is a major decision that should remain in the hands of residents. They further contend that previous cost estimates for building repairs were inflated by unnecessary project add-ons.

The coalition polled 1,381 registered voters, finding that 84% favor staying at the 1500 Marilla Street site. To trigger a May 2027 referendum, they must collect 20,000 signatures from qualified Dallas voters within 60 days.

The players

Save Dallas City Hall Coalition

This is a local activist group organized to prevent the relocation of the Dallas municipal government from its current site.

Eric Johnson

He is the Mayor of Dallas who voted against the phased repair plan for the city's municipal building.

The details

In June, Mayor Eric Johnson and eight city council members voted against a phased repair plan for the building. While the city initially estimated repair costs at over $1 billion in February 2026, a revised figure released in June lowered that estimate to $611 million.

February 2026: Initial repair costs were estimated at over $1 billion.
June 2026: The city council rejected repair plans and updated the cost estimate to $611 million.
September 24, 2026: The Save Dallas City Hall Coalition announced its referendum drive.
October 2, 2026: The group will submit a notification letter to the city secretary.
May 2027: A potential date for the city charter amendment vote.

Political Context

The coalition's efforts are governed by the amendment procedures defined in the Dallas City Charter. The group seeks to override recent municipal decisions regarding infrastructure by leveraging the charter's provisions for direct voter intervention.

Residents may be approached by petition gatherers going door-to-door or hosting events over the next two months. If the coalition meets its signature target, Dallas voters will face a specific ballot measure regarding city facility spending in May 2027.

The takeaway

This initiative highlights the growing role of citizen-led ballot measures in municipal infrastructure disputes. Residents looking to participate should note that signatures must be collected in person to be considered valid.