Zoning isn’t just a planning term — it can be a matter of life and death. In Dallas, zoning policies have long determined where industries can operate, and many of those decisions have disproportionately placed polluting facilities near residential communities, especially in Southern Dallas.
Take the infamous “Shingle Mountain,” for example. After a six-year grassroots battle, the Floral Farms neighborhood finally won rezoning approval to block future heavy industrial development. But the fight for environmental justice is far from over.
Kathryn Guerra of the Dallas Environmental Commission points out that zoning impacts community health. “We have data to connect the health impacts that the environment can have on people,” she says.
Communities like Kleberg-Rylie are still pushing back against industrial encroachment, while others are dealing with the fallout of past decisions. Across from the Arden Terrace neighborhood lies the former Lane Plating Works Superfund site — a toxic chemical dumping ground now under federal scrutiny.
Last year’s adoption of ForwardDallas 2.0 was hailed by advocates as a major step forward. The plan aims to reshape land use in Dallas, promoting development that aligns with neighborhood character and public health.
Several District 8 candidates are prioritizing zoning reform. Erik Wilson, former City Council member and activist with Southern Sector Rising, advocates for clear separation between industrial zones and places where people live, work, and go to school. He also supports funding for environmental health risk assessments.
Lorie Blair, former city plan commissioner, stresses the importance of preserving trees and green spaces during development. Activist Davante Peters calls for community transparency and participation in zoning decisions.
In District 6, the fight continues as residents demand the closure of the GAF shingle factory. While GAF claims it will close by 2029, local leaders like Nicolas Quintanilla and Monica Alonzo say that timeline is unacceptable due to the plant’s negative health impact.
Across other districts, urban heat islands have become another environmental concern. Neighborhoods with limited green space can be up to 12 degrees hotter than others during the summer. Candidates like Chad West and Paul Ridley are responding with tree planting initiatives and green space expansion plans.
Environmental organizations like Downwinders At Risk are pushing to hold all Dallas City Council candidates accountable by distributing environmental questionnaires and educating voters.
Is Your Home’s Air Conditioning Harming Your Health?
You might be fighting for clean air outside — but what about inside your home?
Old air filters, dirty ducts, and neglected AC systems can dramatically reduce air quality and shorten your HVAC system’s lifespan. Without regular maintenance, your air conditioner could be spreading dust, allergens, or even mold.
That’s why we created the Free Air Filter Reminder Service. We’ll send you reminders every two months to change your filters and give you a heads-up every six months when it’s time for maintenance.
✅ Totally free
✅ Protect your health
✅ Extend the life of your system
[Sign Up Now and Breathe Easier Tomorrow!]