T.C. Broadnax (Dallas City Manager)
T.C. Broadnax served as the City Manager of Dallas, Texas from 2017 to 2024, overseeing the operational and administrative functions of one of the largest cities in the United States. Broadnax brought extensive experience in municipal government and public administration to the role. As City Manager, he was responsible for implementing policy decisions of the Dallas City Council, managing a large municipal budget, and directing thousands of city employees across various departments. His tenure encompassed significant challenges and initiatives including the COVID-19 pandemic response and police reform efforts following national protests in 2020.
Career and Appointment
Prior to his appointment to Dallas, Broadnax built a career in municipal administration spanning several cities, gaining experience managing large municipal budgets and coordinating interdepartmental initiatives. The Dallas City Council conducted a national search process in 2017 to recruit a new city manager, and Broadnax was selected for the position. His appointment reflected the city's effort to attract experienced administrative talent capable of managing the complex operations of a major metropolitan area.
Broadnax began his tenure in Dallas in 2017 during a period of significant growth for the city. The city was experiencing rapid population increases, continued economic development, and expanding infrastructure needs. His early priorities included establishing relationships with city council members, reviewing departmental operations, and developing a comprehensive understanding of the city's financial position and operational challenges.
Tenure and Policy Focus
During his time as City Manager, Broadnax oversaw the coordination of multiple municipal departments, including public works, public safety, planning and development, and parks and recreation. He emphasized collaborative problem-solving and data-driven decision-making, working to improve communication between city departments and the city council through regular briefing sessions and performance metrics.
Following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis and subsequent national protests in 2020, Broadnax coordinated Dallas's response to demands for police reform. This involved working with the city council, police leadership, and community organizations to develop reform initiatives. These efforts included increased training programs, revised use-of-force policies, and enhanced accountability measures. Broadnax also managed the city's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which required the city to rapidly adapt service delivery, implement remote work options, and address public health emergency protocols.
Broadnax's management of the municipal budget reflected the challenges faced by cities with sales-tax dependent revenue streams. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Dallas faced declining tax revenues while facing increased operational costs. Broadnax worked with the city council to develop budget strategies that protected essential services while identifying areas for operational savings and efficiency improvements.
Departure from Dallas
In February 2024, Broadnax announced his intention to resign from his position as Dallas City Manager.[1] Austin announced shortly thereafter that it had selected Broadnax as its next City Manager. Broadnax's final day in Dallas was May 2, 2024.[2]
Austin City Manager
Broadnax began his tenure as Austin's City Manager on May 6, 2024.[3] His career in public administration has spanned multiple decades and several major American cities, reflecting his development of expertise in financial management, strategic planning, and organizational development.