In a move that restructures the leadership within the Dallas City Council, the council has elected Jesse Moreno as the new Mayor Pro Tem and Gay Donnell Willis as the new Deputy Mayor Pro Tem. Both appointments took effect yesterday, bringing a pair of veteran council members into higher roles within the city's political hierarchy.
Moreno, a representative of District 2 since his election in 2021, holds positions on several key committees. He serves as the Chair of the Housing & Homeless Solutions Committee, and also holds the role of Vice Chair on the Parks, Trails, & Environment Committee, in addition to being a member of the Public Safety and Government Performance & Financial Management Committees. Moreno's new responsibilities as Mayor Pro Tem will include stepping in for the mayor when necessary and playing a pivotal part in driving the council’s initiatives forward. According to the City of Dallas, Moreno said, “I am deeply honored to step into this important role, and I carry this responsibility with the utmost respect.”
On the other end, Willis will take on the duties of Deputy Mayor Pro Tem. She has represented District 13 since her election in the same year as Moreno. Willis' purview includes her role as Chair of the City's Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking Advisory Council, and her involvement with regional and national committees, such as the North Texas Council of Governments Emergency Preparedness Planning Committee and the National League of Cities Finance, Administration and Intergovernmental Relations Federal Advocacy Committee. Additionally, she is a member of the Visit Dallas Business Leadership Council. Willis expressed gratitude for her new position, stating, per the City of Dallas, "I'm honored that my city council colleagues elected me to this role and look forward to representing our great city at meetings and events throughout Dallas and beyond."
