D
allas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert was appointed last week, making her the first Black female to lead the ninth-largest city in America. Mayor Eric Johnson called it "the most important hire that the Dallas City Council makes." Tolbert will earn an annual salary of $450,000.

    The vote wasn't unanimous, with some council members expressing concerns about a severance package and missed opportunities on issues like homelessness and street repairs. However, the support for Tolbert was greater than the opposition. Johnson praised her as "one of the smartest, hardest working, most accessible, and humble individuals" he's worked with in government.

    Tolbert issued a memorandum outlining her vision for the city, focusing on building trust and enhancing the customer experience through responsiveness, accountability, openness, and honesty. She identified key areas for improvement, including public safety, homelessness and housing, financial stability, targeted economic growth, and basic city services.

    The real estate community has welcomed Tolbert's appointment, citing her efforts to streamline the permitting process and address industry concerns during her 11-month tenure as interim city manager. The Real Estate Council CEO Jamee Jolly praised Tolbert's commitment to collaboration and reform, saying she's an "exceptional choice" for city manager.

    The Dallas Builders Association also expressed support for Tolbert, looking forward to continuing a partnership with her team on issues like affordable housing and sustainable urban planning. Council members praised Tolbert's success in streamlining processes and working with the public, citing her ability to bring teams together and deliver results.

    Tolbert spoke at a press conference, saying she aims to make Dallas a model for global excellence through innovation, efficiency, and targeted economic growth. She emphasized the importance of rebuilding trust within the community and continuing to drive progress on key issues.