By Destiny Kombe-Kaje and Sulwa Siraj
Correspondents
Texas Metro News
Infrastructure improvement, public safety, and economic development are the three main topics that Lorie Blair plans to tackle in her first term as the District 8 councilwoman for Dallas.
Blair, who succeeds outgoing Mayor Pro Tem Tennell Atkins, was sworn in Monday, June 16 at the 2025 City Council Inauguration Ceremony, alongside Maxie Johnson (District 4), Laura Cadena (District 6), and Bill Roth (District 11), all new additions to the City Council.
The Council also elected new officer leadership with Council Member Jesse Moreno (District 2) named Mayor Pro Tem, and Council Member Gay Donnell Willis (District 13) named Deputy Mayor Pro Tem.
In reference to stepping into her new role, Blair described the experience as “a whirlwind of activity.”
“I can’t wait to sit down (at) that horseshoe for the first time,” Blair said. “We have a docket on Wednesday we’re going to do so I’m excited, really excited about what’s coming up next.”
Among the immediate issues Blair aims to address as councilwoman is economic development in the city and especially her district. According to her website, she aims to stimulate economic growth in District 8 by attracting businesses and providing residents with opportunities to secure good jobs and careers.
“We have a lot of opportunities,” she said, speaking to Texas Metro News exclusively. “Until we address how we’re going to build and grow, we’re stopping the growth of the city.”
She emphasized the importance of staying informed in times of political growth at a local level.
“Once you are informed and educated, you can speak up for what the needs are for your city and, more importantly, my district,” Blair said.
A retired AT&T manager, Blair spent seven years with the Elite News and also served on the Dallas Planning and Zoning Commission, where she said she “kept community consideration at the forefront and employed thoughtful collaboration to meet our district’s unique needs.”
Her plan as councilwoman is to take a nuanced approach to learning about the district’s needs before proposing long-lasting solutions.
“Once I am able to figure out what’s going on and what the needs are for the district, holistically per area,” she said, “then I can champion how to address those needs.”
Sulwa Siraj is an intern working for Texas Metro News. She is a rising senior at North Garland High School. She enjoys reading, listening to music, and studying psychology.
Destiny Kombe-Kajue is an intern working for Texas Metro News. She is a rising senior at Coppell High School. She enjoys baking, watching musical theater, and food reviewing.
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