The Fight For West Oak Cliff: Community Activism, Urban Plannin, and the Role of Rayo Planning

Navigating Change: The Fight for Transparency, Inclusion, and Community Preservation in West Oak Cliff’s Urban Development.

The Hampton-Clarendon corridor in Oak Cliff has long been a significant part of the Dallas community, historically evolving from a predominantly white neighborhood to a diverse and culturally rich area. However, recent urban planning initiatives and zoning changes have sparked concerns among local residents and small business owners, who fear displacement and economic disruption. Community members, urban planners, and activists are assessing the impact of proposed zoning changes, with WOCAP (West Oak Cliff Area Plan) serving as an example of the shift toward a form-based, walkable mixed-use model. This collective concern dates back to 2022, basically from the moment the plan was presented to the public. Residents explicitly expressed to District 1 Councilman Chad West that they did not want their community to experience the same changes as Bishop Arts. And while the city claims this initiative aims to increase pedestrian accessibility and modernize infrastructure, many fear it will push out existing small businesses, especially the automotive repair shops per dominantly residing in the targeted area, that have long served the community.

So why is there a sense of urgency now? 

One could say, our current political climate has placed a lens on areas like West Oak Cliff, where 42% of residents are Hispanic or Latino. Since January, many have already faced ICE raid scares, unintentionally leaving community members feeling vulnerable and, at times, discouraged from civic engagement. Additionally, in October 2024 the City of Dallas approved ForwardDallas, an extensive land use plan, marking the first significant zoning overhaul in 18 years. The Navigating Change: The Fight for Transparency, Inclusion, and Community Preservation in West Oak Cliff’s Urban Development. By Editorial Photos: Jess Washington, City of Dallas, & Dallas Public Library FEATURE Cover Story revised plan paves the way for increased housing density in areas once limited to single-family homes, permitting duplexes, triplexes, and quadplexes in the future. The ForwardDallas proposal acknowledges the historical injustices of development and landfill placement in Black and Brown communities, emphasizing the need for rezoning to address these disparities. Things are progressing quickly in West Dallas, with a Planning & Development meeting on January 15th addressing four ongoing cases related to WOCAP. 

The Push for Transparency and Inclusion in Urban Planning 

A major issue raised by the community is the lack of transparency and inclusivity in the city’s planning process. Many argue that the city has failed to properly engage residents, particularly Spanish-speaking and immigrant communities, in discussions about these zoning changes. Jennifer Rangle, Executive Director of Rayo Planning, pointed out the discrepancy in community engagement: “The first public meeting about this plan was only in English. The city claimed they would provide translation services if people requested them, but why wasn’t it bilingual from the start?” This language barrier, combined with the complexity of urban planning policies, has left many residents unaware of how these changes might impact them. Without clear communication, affected businesses and homeowners struggle to participate in decision-making processes that directly shape their neighborhood’s future. Urban renewal often brings the risk of gentrification—a term widely recognized but often misunderstood. While some view development as an opportunity for neighborhood improvement, the reality is often starkly different for existing residents and businesses.

Activists have expressed concerns that investors take advantage of these zoning changes to buy out small business owners, raise rents, and transform the area into something unrecognizable. “What happens when property owners see a chance to make more money? They increase the rent or refuse to renew leases. Where will these businesses go? What’s their alternative?” one organizer asked.

The pattern is familiar—historically Black and Latino communities across Dallas have faced similar challenges. We all know the story of Bishop Arts. The area fell into the Oak Cliff Gateway TIF District providing financial incentives for developers to revitalize the area. Although created in 1992 with an expiration date of 2012, the plan underwent several amendments that extended it’s life until the timing was right and most importantly, the money was there. Fast forward to 2018 when development grew, property values and rents rose, displacing longtime residents and small businesses. Once a culturally rich neighborhood with deep Hispanic and Black roots, soon felt over-commercialized, catering more to tourists than locals. In 2023, residential and commercial property owners in South Dallas, opposed the extension of the Public Improvement District (PID) for another 7 years, which had also called for a series of security and beautification improvements to the area. The South Dallas-Fair Park PID became a $1.2M tax allocation but the area has yet to endure the extreme development Bishop Arts has recently seen. West Oak Cliff residents could have a similar fate and successfully push back against large-scale development projects they do not want. This is where organizations like Rayo Planning step in.

The Role of Rayo Planning in Community Advocacy

Leading the fight against displacement in West Oak Cliff is Rayo Planning, a nonprofit urban planning group dedicated to fighting for environmental, housing, and economic justice. The organization’s name, “Rayo,” which translates to “ray” or “beam” in Spanish, symbolizes hope and light for communities fighting against displacement. Unlike traditional urban planning firms that primarily work for private developers or government agencies, Rayo Planning works directly with communities to ensure their voices are heard and included in city planning decisions. 

Founded by urban planners and community organizers Evelyn Mayo and Victoria Ferrell-Ortiz, who saw firsthand how city planning can either empower or displace communities, Rayo Planning takes a grassroots approach to urban development. Their strategies have been so successful, in 2023 they were awarded by the Texas chapter of the American Planning Association for their work in public outreach. The organization was born out of a desire to challenge the status quo of urban planning, which has historically favored wealthy developers over working-class communities of color.

Rayo Planning has taken an active role in educating and mobilizing the community about the potential impacts of the Hampton-Clarendon corridor rezoning. In the lead-up their February 4th community meeting, they organized a door-to-door outreach campaign, reaching nearly 1,400 homes to inform residents about the proposed zoning changes and how they could get involved. Rayo understands that its key advantage lies in securing proper representation in urban planning discussions at City Hall. Without it, whether intentionally or unintentionally, they risk being overlooked and excluded from the final decision-making process. 

As concerns about displacement grow, there is increasing pressure on city officials to provide protective measures. Some residents have proposed policy changes that would allow business owners to purchase their properties, securing their place in the community. Others suggest stronger legal frameworks to prevent unfair lease terminations and drastic rent increases.

However, Rangle believes these protections should have been in place before the rezoning process began. The lack of safeguards leaves small businesses vulnerable, reinforcing the perception that the city prioritizes investors over existing residents. Yet, with a hopeful tone, she states that recently city representatives have been communicating openly and frequently.

The Public Meeting and A Critical Moment for the Community

DW attended the community meeting hosted by Rayo Planning and other community leaders on February 4th at Winnetka Elementary. The meeting encouraged West Oak Cliff residents to get informed and show up and make their voices heard. The event consisted of many community members who brought their entire family. There were numerous activities for both children and teens, encouraging attendees to stick around and enjoy services from local businesses as well. Councilman Chad West attended the meeting and spoke briefly, highlighting his commitment to transparency in city zoning and development, with his remarks also translated into Spanish. Strong turnouts like the meeting on the 4th could demonstrate the community’s opposition to displacement and demand concrete commitments from city officials. But will it be enough?

 The situation in West Oak Cliff is a microcosm of the broader struggle against displacement and gentrification in cities across the country. As urban development accelerates, communities must remain vigilant, organized, and proactive in advocating for their interests. But when you think back to the underlying purpose of ForwardDallas, a development plan to correct the wrong-doings of the past, are people looking at the hummock or the bummock of the iceberg? 

Rayo understands that long-term strategies—including legal support, community land trusts, and political engagement—will be necessary to protect West Oak Cliff’s legacy and future. This is a crucial time to support local businesses, engage with community organizations, and demand accountability from elected officials. And perhaps there just needs to be clarity on communication. Bottom line… there is a disconnect. Urban planning should serve the people—not displace them. The utopian future of West Oak Cliff depends on the voices of those who call it home and the transparency of the decision makers at City hall.