Both seasoned and newcomers, Dallas business owners can get their slice of the municipal project pie thanks to the City of Dallas' 2024 Bond Program. For those wanting to catch up on the intricacies of the bond-funded projects potentially worth $1.25 billion, an information session held at Samuell-Grand Recreation Center was the place to be. Last year, voters gave the green light to this budget for enhancing city infrastructure and services, organized into 10 propositions.

Those in attendance got to directly engage with decision-makers from various city departments, all geared to fully explain how to successfully bid for upcoming projects. Dallas City Council member Jesse Moreno and Efrain Trejo, the assistant director of engineering and construction management for the bond program, were there to inaugurate the session. According to the City of Dallas bulletin, discussions revolved around procurement processes, securing partnerships, and meeting project deadlines—information crucial for those seeking to throw their hats in the ring.

Kickstarting the procurement conversation, city representatives delved into the steps for doing business with the City of Dallas. The panel included the likes of John D. Jenkins from the Park and Recreation Department and Martine Philippe of the Office of Arts and Culture, among others. A key focus of the day was on increasing Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBE) engagement—a discussion spearheaded by Kimberly Franklyn, the city's procurement services assistant director.