Message from the Dallas Mayor

sues, and having some fun doing it.

There is still more work to do. Your issues will continue to receive attention at Dallas City Hall. But so many good things are happening in Dallas that simply are not happening in other major cities. And it's great to be a part of all this optimism and dynamism here right now. Let's keep it going!

Important updates and more fun times

It's Spring Break time for the Dallas City Council, but the work of building a better city doesn't stop. Here are some news items and quick updates on major initiatives for you:

• Parks inventory: The city manager's office has produced an inventory of vacant, unused, and underutilized city-owned land. This administration, along with Trust for Public Land, is reviewing the list and assessing options. The first priority will be finding new places for green spaces in neighborhoods that are not currently within a 10-min- ute walk of a park. This is an important initiative. As Axios Dallas notes: "Public parks are an equalizer. Unlike arboretums, country clubs or gyms, anyone can enjoy them for free."

• A visitor from Sweden: Her Excellency Karin Olofsdotter, the Swedish Ambassador to the United States, visited Dallas City Hall last week to discuss potential partnerships with the city. Kay Bailey Hutchison, the former United States Ambassador to NATO and member of my International Advisory Council, joined the meeting as well. You can read about the discussion here.

• A visitor from Missouri: Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas also stopped by for a visit to Dallas City Hall last week. Check out the video of his remarks to the Dallas City Council here.

• Buddy Guy Day: The best blues guitarist alive came to Dallas last week to play a sold-out show at the Majestic Theater. In his honor, I proclaimed March 8, 2023, as "Bud- cont. from page 2 dy Guy Day" in the City of Dallas and dropped off the official proclamation in person.

• New Sprouts: The Dallas City Council last week unanimously approved a new Sprouts Farmers Market in North Oak Cliff. Read more here.

• Talking with Dallas youth: On Friday, I joined Derrick James — boxing trainer to champions — to talk to a group of about 250 kids from Dallas Boys & Girls Clubs about living well, having fun, staying safe, and remaining focused on the opportunities in front of them. Boxers Errol Spence Jr. and Anthony Joshua stopped by the LOOK Cinema as well.

That's all for now. Have a great Spring Break if you have one this week. Enjoy the good days of weather while you can. And let the good times roll!

Until next time,

by Cheryl Smith Publisher