Pioneering Progress: City Firsts Under Mayor Rachel Proctor's Leadership
Since becoming Mayor, Rachel Proctor has introduced groundbreaking initiatives that are firsts for the City of DeSoto, setting a new standard for innovation, inclusion, and community progress. These achievements reflect her commitment to uplifting residents, empowering youth, and strengthening DeSoto's future.
Paid Internship for High School & College Students
Mayor Proctor created a groundbreaking annual Paid Internship Program for high school and college students in DeSoto. To date, six cohorts of young leaders have gained valuable work experience, connecting them to career opportunities and preparing them to be the future workforce of our community.
Why This Is Important to the DeSoto Community
Investing in our youth is investing in DeSoto’s future. The Paid Internship Program not only equips students with real-world skills and job experience but also ensures they are prepared to contribute to the local economy and community as future leaders. By providing meaningful opportunities early on, we’re building a stronger, more resilient workforce that keeps DeSoto thriving for generations to come.
Coordinated the DeSoto COAD
Mayor Proctor wasn't even sworn into office one week when Winter Storm Uri hit in 2021! In response to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and Winter Storm Uri, Mayor Proctor established the DeSoto COAD, a coalition of organizations that provide critical support during disasters. The COAD ensures quick and coordinated aid for residents, from financial assistance to emotional support.
Why This Is Important to the DeSoto Community
Disasters can strike without warning, and a strong, coordinated response is crucial to protect our community. The COAD ensures that residents receive immediate support—from financial assistance to emotional care—by leveraging local resources and partnerships. This initiative not only provides relief in times of crisis but it ensures no resident faces hardship alone.
Established the Faith Leaders Quarterly Breakfast
Under Mayor Proctor’s leadership, the Faith Leaders Quarterly Breakfast was established, bringing interfaith leaders together to collaborate with the city to address community needs. This initiative bridges gaps and strengthens partnerships across diverse faith groups.
Why This Is Important to the DeSoto Community
A strong community is built on connection and collaboration. The Faith Leaders Quarterly Breakfast unites diverse faith communities with city leadership to address pressing needs, promote understanding, and create solutions that uplift all residents. This initiative fosters trust, strengthens partnerships, and ensures that DeSoto’s values of unity and service remain at the heart of our community.
Launched First Ever MLK Celebration
Mayor Proctor launched DeSoto’s first-ever MLK Day Celebration in 2022, fulfilling a vital need for recognition and reflection in our majority-minority community. This annual event not only honors Dr. King’s legacy but also serves as an opportunity to engage our youth through an essay and coloring contest, which has seen hundreds of DeSoto students participate since its inception.
Why This Is Important to the DeSoto Community
This celebration is powerful reminder of our community's resilience, diversity, and shared commitment to progress. By engaging DeSoto students through the essay and coloring contest, it encourages our youth to reflect on the values Dr. King stood for. This celebration fosters pride and reinforces the values of unity and justice.
Instituted the Student Ambassador Program for Council Meetings
Mayor Proctor created the Student Ambassador Program, allowing students to participate in City Council meetings by leading the Pledges and serving as youth representatives. This program develops civic engagement and leadership skills in DeSoto’s young residents.
Why This Is Important to the DeSoto Community
This Program empowers DeSoto’s youth to become active participants in local government, giving them a firsthand understanding of civic leadership. By leading the Pledges and representing their peers at City Council meetings, students develop leadership skills, confidence, and a sense of responsibility. This initiative not only prepares the next generation but also ensures the voices of our youth are heard in shaping DeSoto’s future.
Development of a Commission for People with Disabilities
Committed to building an inclusive community, Mayor Proctor is working together with Community Stakeholders to develop the DeSoto Commission for People with Disabilities, advocating for accessibility in city programming and ensuring all residents have the opportunity to thrive. This initiative is slated to roll out in the Spring of 2025.
Why This Is Important to the DeSoto Community
The DeSoto Commission for People with Disabilities will be a vital step toward creating an inclusive environment where all residents can thrive. By collaborating with community stakeholders, this initiative will advocate for accessibility in city programming and promote equitable participation, reflecting DeSoto’s commitment to embracing diversity and empowering every citizen.
Move With the Mayor Health and Wellness Partnership
Mayor Rachel Proctor launched Move With the Mayor, a health and wellness initiative designed to encourage active, healthy living among DeSoto residents. In partnership with the National Forum for Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention, this initiative includes biannual events in the Spring and Fall, specifically engaging DeSoto’s senior citizens.
Why This Is Important to the DeSoto Community
Heart disease and stroke disproportionately affect African American communities, making preventative health initiatives critical for DeSoto’s long-term well-being. By encouraging regular movement and social engagement, Move With the Mayor fosters a healthier, more connected community where residents of all ages—especially seniors—can take proactive steps toward better physical and mental health.
Outdoor Staff Appreciation Event
Mayor Rachel Proctor launched the Outdoor Staff Appreciation Event to recognize and celebrate the dedicated city employees who work tirelessly in extreme conditions to keep DeSoto running smoothly. This event was inspired by one of the hottest summers on record in Texas, when crews such as litter control, park staff, and public utilities endured grueling heat daily to maintain our city’s infrastructure and public spaces. To show gratitude for their efforts—often overlooked but deeply valued—Mayor Proctor personally funds and hosts this annual event, partnering with local businesses to provide gift cards as a token of appreciation.
Why This Is Important to the DeSoto Community
A city thrives because of the people who serve behind the scenes, and it’s essential to acknowledge their contributions. By honoring these hardworking individuals, DeSoto fosters a culture of respect, appreciation, and community pride. The Outdoor Staff Appreciation Event reminds us that every role matters and that DeSoto is a city that values and supports its workforce.
Celebrating Our City: DeSoto Birthday Homecoming & 75th Anniversary Gala
In 2022, Mayor Rachel Proctor introduced the City Birthday Homecoming as a way to bring the DeSoto community—past and present—together to reflect on what makes our city special. This annual celebration welcomes longtime residents, newcomers, and those with deep roots in DeSoto. Each year, the event crowns a Homecoming King and Queen and Court. In 2024, DeSoto reached a historic milestone—75 years as an incorporated city—and Mayor Proctor led a yearlong celebration, culminating in a spectacular, sold-out 75th Anniversary Gala. This first-of-its-kind event brought together residents, leaders, and community stakeholders to celebrate DeSoto’s legacy, progress, and future.
Why This Is Important to the DeSoto Community
A city is more than its buildings and streets—it’s the people, history, and shared experiences that make it a home. The City Birthday Homecoming and 75th Anniversary Gala reinforce the unity, pride, and traditions that make DeSoto special. These events bridge generations, strengthen community bonds, and remind us why DeSoto is a place worth celebrating—year after year.
Creation of the First Ladies Brunch for Breast Cancer Awareness
Mayor Proctor introduced the First Ladies Brunch during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, to raise awareness and support for this critical health issue. The event goes beyond simply wearing pink—it provides a platform for fellowship, open dialogue, and education. In partnership with local medical providers, attendees can ask health-related questions and connect with resources for breast health.
Why This Is Important to the DeSoto Community
Black women are nearly 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than white women, making early detection and access to information a matter of life and death. The First Ladies Brunch addresses this disparity by empowering women with the resources they need to prioritize their health. By fostering community support and connecting residents to local healthcare partners, DeSoto is taking an active role in closing the health equity gap.