By Anthony Council
Dallas neighborhoods facing the threat of displacement received a powerful boost last night as the Builders of Hope Foundation unveiled “A Right to Stay”—an initiative to help Dallas neighborhoods with anti-displacement. Aimed at preserving the homes and communities of long-time residents, the event introduced an anti-displacement toolkit featuring a bold 12-point plan to empower areas like South Dallas, West Dallas, and Vickery Meadows. Led by James A. Armstrong, President and CEO of Builders of Hope, the initiative seeks to make “staying” a right, not a privilege, for all Dallas residents.
The event featured a panel discussion with prominent community leaders, including Armstrong, who addressed the impact of gentrification on various Dallas neighborhoods. Many long-time residents are at risk of being priced out of their homes as property values and rents rise. Armstrong and his team envision a future where these residents can remain in their communities, regardless of economic pressures.
“These neighborhoods were established through redlining and segregation,” Armstrong said, “by people who decided to stay and invest when there were no amenities. They should have the right to remain in their communities.”
Central to the initiative is a 12-point plan outlining strategies to support these neighborhoods. Key components of the plan include:
- Allocating public land for affordable housing.
- Enhancing legal protections for tenants.
- Establishing affordable housing preservation networks.
- Providing property tax relief funds.
- Implementing targeted home repair programs.
The plan’s goal is to preserve and enhance existing neighborhoods, allowing communities to grow without displacing those who have called these neighborhoods home for generations.
During the event, attendees participated in a Q&A session where they inquired about the financial aspects of the plan and its anticipated impact on the city. Armstrong shared his vision for the next five years:
“Right now, we want neighborhoods to be at the forefront of our minds when discussing new development,” Armstrong said. “Following today’s event, we will focus on neighborhood-level advocacy and engage the City Council in January to push for a formal stance on anti-displacement, aiming for full adoption of our resolution.”
A critical partner in the “A Right to Stay” initiative is JPMorgan Chase. Heather Higginbottom, Head of Research, Policy & Insights for Corporate Responsibility at JPMorgan Chase, has been instrumental in supporting efforts to preserve Dallas neighborhoods and prevent displacement.
As a long-time Dallas resident, Armstrong knows the journey is just beginning. For him, this work reflects a deep commitment to preserving the character and integrity of Dallas’s diverse neighborhoods. Serving as an Agent of Transformation, he is determined to empower communities to reclaim and strengthen their roots, ensuring that every resident has not only the right to stay but also the opportunity to thrive. Through “A Right to Stay” and its 12-point plan, Armstrong and his team are helping to build a city where progress includes everyone.
