Under Mayor Rachel Proctor’s leadership, DeSoto has made remarkable progress, advancing initiatives that strengthen public safety, drive economic growth, and enhance the quality of life for all residents. These achievements reflect the power of collaborative leadership, with the City Council, staff, and community partners working together to move DeSoto forward.

 

In public safety, the city has seen an 8% decrease in overall crime, reflecting the dedication of law enforcement and community partnerships. The city also established the C.A.R.E. Team, a specialized unit that provides compassionate responses to mental health calls, ensuring residents in crisis receive the support they need. Additionally, the High-Intensity Crime Reduction Unit (HICRU) takes a proactive approach to address illegal guns and drugs, while the Rental Registration Program now ensures rental properties are safe and well-maintained for residents.

 

In the area of economic development, the Hampton Road Redevelopment Project has entered the design phase, laying the groundwork for a vibrant, walkable downtown district. The city has also purchased key parcels of land for future development, broken ground on the state-of-the-art Aquatic and Recreation Center as part of the McCowan Park Master Plan, and completed the Comprehensive Plan Update, which sets clear standards for responsible growth. To maintain the integrity of our neighborhoods, DeSoto also passed an ordinance limiting smoke shops and small discount variety stores, preventing oversaturation in the community.

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For our residents, we’ve increased the Over-65 Property Tax Exemption, maintained no city property tax rate increase for 13 years, and secured $10.4 million in federal grants to address the pandemic's impact. Additionally, the city partnered with STAR Transit to transform the local bus system into a same-day, on-demand service, providing flexible, reliable transportation for residents.

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These milestones are more than accomplishments—they’re a testament to what strong leadership and community collaboration can achieve. Together, we're building a safer, stronger, and more vibrant DeSoto for generations to come.