Experienced Leadership
Paul Ridley is a long-time resident of Old East Dallas deeply committed to the quality of life in the neighborhoods of District 14 and passionate about the orderly and sustainable development of the City of Dallas. District 14 deserves a true neighborhood advocate on the Council. Paul currently serves as vice-chair of the Council Environmental and Sustainability Committee, and on the Housing and Homelessness Committee, Quality of Life Committee and Government Performance and Financial Management Committee.
Before election to City Council, he was actively involved in volunteer civic work for 13 years, including serving continuously for 12 years on multiple City commissions. Having lived in an historic district for 30 years, Paul is committed to preserving our historic neighborhoods. He has been a long-time member and supporter of Preservation Dallas. At the same time, he recognizes the importance of looking to the future and the inevitability of change. With his background as an urban planner, Paul sees the importance of having a vision for the city’s future.
Supporting Neighborhoods
Solid, stable and affordable neighborhoods where people want to live are the lifeblood of a vibrant, successful city. Without them, Dallas would lack the vitality that contributes to a livable city and makes possible a successful business community.
Paul recognizes that safe, livable neighborhoods are an essential part of the urban fabric of the city and has been a long-time supporter of neighborhoods. He has a proven track record of supporting neighborhoods during his service on City Council and 12 years of service on the Plan Commission and Landmark Commission. That support has included proactively reaching out to neighborhood leaders and residents to seek input on rezoning and special use permit applications that affect those neighborhoods.
It also includes regular attendance at Oak Lawn Committee meetings for 8 years and being a good listener to residents’ concerns. He has used his advocacy skills as a lawyer in support of neighborhood interests at public commission hearings. Paul is committed to continuing to be a voice for neighborhoods on the City Council.
Working for Neighbors
Dallas needs strong, experienced civic leadership to ensure a successful future. Someone who understands how city government works and should work. He will continue to use his energy, experience and common sense to serve Dallas in a leadership position on the City Council. He is a full-time councilmember.
Paul Ridley has the skills, leadership ability and integrity to deal with the many problems facing Dallas, enhance residents’ quality of life, and strive for a more prosperous, equitable and sustainable future for the city. Paul is committed to:
Providing the police the necessary resources to control crime, while holding them accountable for results
Ensuring the economic and efficient delivery of city services to residents
Promoting sensible economic development and jobs in Dallas
Protecting neighborhoods
Promoting effective transportation options
Enhancing quality of life by promoting walkability, green space and sense of place through quality urban design
Mitigating climate change and air and water pollution
Ensuring resilience and sustainability of the city’s infrastructure
Promoting affordable housing
Prudent fiscal management of the city budget and expenditures; and
Ensuring transparency, equity and inclusiveness in city decision making.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND AWARDS
Awarded “Best Council member of 2022” by Dallas Observer.
Helped hundreds of constituents navigate and obtain city services.
Supported full funding for police and fire, including funding to hire 250 new police officers each of last two budget years.
Supported multiple programs to construct new and rehab existing affordable housing, including initiating incentive zoning concept, which has resulted in the construction of 5600 below-market rate apartments.
Supported full funding for city grants to Dallas arts organizations and expanded hours and acquisition budget for the Dallas Library system.
Successfully advocated to preserve classical music format for WRR under KERA management.
Supported full funding for Parks and Trails and opposed commercialization of our neighborhood parks.
Voted for largest property tax rate cut in 40 years.
Voted to authorize a new Economic Development Corporation to support business development and serve as a public developer.
Supported homeless program funding, which has placed 1600 homeless in permanent supportive housing with 99% success rate.
Led efforts to protect neighborhoods from short-term rental hotels and to strengthen code enforcement.
Fought to close two nuisance bars on Greenville Ave.
Led environmental initiatives to implement CECAP, including sponsoring additional funding for solar power for city buildings, advocating conversion of city fleet to electric vehicles, and phase-out of gas-powered lawn equipment.
Sponsored and obtained funding for a new senior home repair program to allow lower-income seniors to age in place.
Supported traffic calming efforts in neighborhoods, such as pilot project on Richmond Ave.
Supported significant investment to reform the city’s building permit process.
Supported the replacement of the convention center with portion of related funding for the largest investment in Fair Park in over 80 years.
Initiated and organized a holiday toy drive for the kids at Roseland Homes.
Instituted regular communication to constituents by publishing a semi-weekly newsletter since election in 2021 to keep District 14 informed about what is happening at City Hall and my efforts in serving the district.