20 Minutes with the Mayor

In this episode of 20 Minutes with the Mayor, Mayor Rachel Proctor takes a closer look at a new program being developed to help DeSoto homeowners facing serious streambank erosion. Director of Development Services Ahmed Alqaisi explains the challenges erosion can create, how the proposed assistance program would work and what residents should know as the City finalizes program details.

You’ll also hear from Dr. Esther Williams about the next chapter for the Nance Farm Cultural Arts Center, including Council’s approval of Phase One construction and the improvements ahead. Dr. Williams also previews DeSoto’s Veterans Breakfast and Resource Fair, and Dre Jarrett shares what’s planned for the fifth annual First Ladies Brunch during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Plus, Mayor Proctor answers a resident’s question about Project SoHa and what comes next for the proposed redevelopment of Hampton Road, then introduces a new Flock Safety transparency portal from DeSoto Police.

Whether you’re concerned about erosion, following a community project or looking for ways to connect, this episode offers an inside look at the work shaping DeSoto’s future.

Podcast Chapters

00:00:00 Welcome to 20 Minutes with the Mayor
00:00:33 Council Corner | Nance Farm’s Next Chapter with Dr. Esther Williams
00:04:40 On the Horizon | When Erosion Hits Home with Director of Development Services Ahmed Alqaisi
00:11:31 Veterans Breakfast and Resource Fair with Dr. Esther Williams
00:015:05 Fifth Annual First Ladies Brunch with Dre Jarrett
00:18:03 Community Question of the Month | What’s Next for Project SoHa?

00:21:01 Closing | DeSoto Police’s New Flock Safety Transparency Portal

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Erosion Mitigation Program
Learn more about the program being developed to help eligible homeowners address serious streambank erosion, and watch for updates on program details, resident education and the application process.
https://www.desototexas.gov/976/Erosion-Mitigation-Program

Veterans Breakfast and Resource Fair
Find event details and registration information for DeSoto’s Veterans Breakfast at City Hall, followed immediately by a Veterans Resource Fair. Breakfast is free for local veterans, active-duty service members and their families. Registration is required, and space is limited.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/veterans-breakfast-tickets-2000433098247?aff=oddtdtcreator

Fifth Annual First Ladies Brunch
Join the community to celebrate breast cancer survivors, support those facing breast cancer and remember those we’ve lost. The brunch takes place Saturday, October 24, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Unique Visions, 324 S. Hampton Road. Admission is free, with registration requested.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/5th-annual-first-ladies-brunch-tickets-1999394165772?fbclid=IwY2xjawUqO3ZleHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mAWJyaWQRMXRlN0k1REtPY2dzaWhDWTJzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeyWq_1CEL35zjktC4q5Oc2VMs8r8Cud6ORN3vwthwwqyCfbEUKA2Y5Jc5zsY_aem_EScAk2oi6bS9xtYIHGPulQ

Flock Safety Transparency Portal
Explore information about DeSoto Police’s use of license plate reader technology, including database access, search activity, policies and safeguards. Find the portal through the City’s homepage.
https://transparency.flocksafety.com/desoto-tx-pd

Submit a Question for a Future Episode
We’d love to hear from you! Submit your question for a chance to hear Mayor Proctor answer it on an upcoming episode.
https://www.desototexas.gov/FormCenter/CSEA-15/Community-Question-of-the-Month-109

Stay Connected
Subscribe to 20 Minutes with the Mayor, share this episode, sign up for City Lights and the CMO Weekly newsletter, and follow the City of DeSoto on social media for the latest news and updates.

In this episode of 20 Minutes with the Mayor, Mayor Rachel Proctor takes a closer look at how the City of DeSoto is connecting taxpayer investments to community priorities and measurable results. Finance Director Lakeita Sutton breaks down DeSoto’s proposed FY 2026–2027 budget, including the City’s performance-based budgeting approach, major investments in streets and infrastructure, the proposed tax rate, and how residents can participate before final adoption. You’ll also learn about transportation options available through STAR Transit and potential opportunities to enhance service, meet Community Connect - a new free and voluntary tool designed to give DeSoto first responders important household information before they arrive at an emergency and get a preview of Texas National Night Out with Assistant Police Chief Ryan Jesionek. Plus, Mayor Proctor answers a resident’s question about how school-zone boundaries are determined and whether they can be extended. Whether you’re interested in the City budget, transportation, public safety or the decisions shaping your community, this episode gives you an inside look at how DeSoto is investing in today while planning for the future.

Podcast Chapters

00:06 Welcome to 20 Minutes with the Mayor
01:02 Council Corner | STAR Transit Update with Tommy Henricks
7:43 On the Horizon | Building DeSoto’s FY 2026–2027 Budget Around Results with Finance Director Lakeita Sutton
14:52 Project Spotlight | Community Connect with Interim Fire Chief Bryan Whitacre
18:31 Community Connection | Texas National Night Out Preview with Assistant Police Chief Ryan Jesionek
22:18 Community Question of the Month | Can DeSoto’s School Zones Be Extended?
24:55 Closing | Celebrating DeSoto’s Newest Certified Municipal Officials

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

STAR Transit
Learn more about transportation services available to DeSoto residents.
DeSotoTexas.gov/StarTransit

FY 2026–2027 Proposed Budget
Explore the proposed budget, Budget Handbook and Strategic Priorities, submit questions and learn how to participate in the budget process.
DeSotoTexas.gov/DeSotoBudget

Community Connect
Learn more and create your free, voluntary household profile to help first responders better serve you during an emergency.
DeSotoTexas.gov/CommunityConnect

Texas National Night Out
Join DeSoto’s public safety teams and community for Texas National Night Out on Tuesday, October 6.
https://www.facebook.com/events/4648482305478570

Submit a Question for a Future Episode
We’d love to hear from you! Submit your question for a chance to hear Mayor Proctor answer it on an upcoming episode.
www.DeSotoTexas.gov/PodcastQuestion

In this episode of 20 Minutes with the Mayor, Mayor Rachel Proctor explores how the City of DeSoto is using technology, data and community engagement to shape the future of DeSoto, Texas. Meet newly appointed Interim City Manager Isom Cameron as he shares his vision for maintaining continuity and advancing City priorities. Learn how resident feedback helps guide Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding decisions, then go behind the scenes of the City's new Pavement Condition Index to discover how data-driven planning is helping prioritize street repairs, strengthen city infrastructure, and make the most of taxpayer investments. You'll also get an inside look at the specialized ICC IMS road-scanning vehicle with engineer Megan Ratliff, preview the upcoming DeSoto Artists Lab Residency Showcase Festival, and learn how to submit your questions for a future episode. Whether you're interested in local government, infrastructure planning, or the services shaping your community, this episode offers an inside look at how DeSoto is planning for today while preparing for tomorrow.

Podcast Chapters

00:00 Welcome to 20 Minutes with the Mayor
01:13 Council Corner | Meet Interim City Manager Isom Cameron
06:53 On the Horizon | Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Update with Dr. Esther Williams
11:25 Project Spotlight | Why DeSoto Assessed Every Street
11:53 ICC IMS Technology Demo | Engineer Megan Ratliff Explains the Road-Scanning Vehicle
12:23 Director of Development Services Ahmed Alqaisi helps us understanding the Pavement Condition Index (PCI)
16:48 Community Connection | DeSoto Artist Lab Showcase Festival Preview with Art Manager Rolanda Brigham
21:26 Community Question of the Month submitted by Sophia Young
24:53 Closing & City Hall Selfie Day Preview

🔗 Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)

• Learn more: www.DeSotoTexas.gov/CDBG
• Watch the CDBG Public Hearing & Discussion: https://desototx.new.swagit.com/videos/394142#26982558

City Manager's Office Weekly Newsletter

• Stay informed with weekly City updates: https://www.desototexas.gov/Archive.aspx?AMID=36

Why DeSoto Assessed Every Street

• Learn about the City's Pavement Condition Index (PCI) program. 
• www.DeSotoTexas.gov/StreetCondition

DeSoto Artists Lab Showcase Festival

• Preview this year's celebration of local arts. 
• www.DeSotoTexas.gov/DAL

Submit a Question for a Future Episode

• We'd love to hear from you! 
• www.DeSotoTexas.gov/PodcastQuestion

Welcome to the inaugural episode of 20 Minutes with the Mayor; a new monthly podcast connecting DeSoto residents with the people, projects, and initiatives shaping our community.

In this first episode, Mayor Rachel Proctor sits down with City leaders to discuss one of DeSoto's most important recent initiatives: the transition to a new utility billing system. Learn why the City made the change, what improvements residents can expect, and get answers to common questions about new account numbers, AutoPay, billing timelines, AquaHawk water monitoring, payment options, and more.

Episode Chapters

00:00 Welcome from Mayor Rachel Proctor
01:43 Council Corner – City Manager Majed Al-Ghafry reflects on his service to DeSoto following his resignation.
08:25 On the Horizon – Mayor Proctor discusses the process of selecting an Interim City Manager and conducting the search for DeSoto's next City Manager.
09:00 Project Spotlight – Customer Service Supervisor Janice Johnson explains DeSoto's new Utility Billing Customer Information System and what residents need to know.
16:06 Community Connection – Lancaster City Manager Opal Mauldin-Jones joins the podcast to discuss the annual DeSoto-Lancaster Independence Day celebration as communities across the nation commemorate America's 250th anniversary.
20:28 Community Question of the Month – Communications & Marketing Coordinator Latoya Fondren explains how resident questions are selected for future episodes.
22:30 Closing Remarks

Thank you for joining us for the very first episode of 20 Minutes with the Mayor! Be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Share so you never miss an episode and stay connected with everything happening in the City of DeSoto.

🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@desotocity

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033DrUwqUIOdnRr5wWZ7Oy

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/20-minutes-with-the-mayor/id6788161709

Podcast Production

Host: Mayor Rachel Proctor

Produced by: Janine Reyes, Communications & Marketing Manager

Co-Produced & Edited by: Latoya Fondren, Communications & Marketing Coordinator and Rhonda Faulkner, Digital Content Specialist