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I would call Dallas, city of variety.  Unfortunately, the city is clearly divided by river, highways and ethnic groups like other mega-cities around the world.  However, the city is showing continuous effort to make the city healthier and interactive through long term projects and mass transportation.  Those are Trinity River Project; connection between uptown and downtown; Dallas Area Rapid Transit.  I am interested in these project’s impact to the city.

Geographically, city of Dallas is mostly flat. which makes the city in danger of flooding. Some of variation of elevation can be found on south of Trinity River near neighborhoods of Oak Cliff and Turtle Creek north of Downtown.

The city was founded in 19th century at the location of a “white rock crossing” of the Trinity River, which was the location where it was easier for wagons to cross before bridges were built.  Even though the river is not usefully navigable, the river is the major waterway through the city. which is currently dividing the city into two parts. But as Dallas began shifting towards postindustrial society, people wanted the river to be developed as a recreational area which lead up to Trinity River Project.  the project is in progress and scheduled to be completed before 2020.

The city is also divided by major highways within the city.  In effort to overcome this, the city is making park over Woodall Rodgers freeway to connect uptown area with downtown where the Art District is.

Demographically, Dallas has historically been predominantly White, but its population has diversified as it has grown in size and importance over the 20th century to the point that non-Hispanic whites now represent less than one-third of the city’s population. Also, 26.5% of population were foreign-born.

Dallas is divided by its ethnic groups as well. The city is major destination for Mexican immigrants due to its proximity to the border. Southwestern and southeastern portions of the city consists of a mixture of black and Hispanic residents, while south is mostly black. On the other hand, North Dallas is mostly white. In addition, suburbs are home to a large number of Asian residents.

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) is the Dallas area public transportation authority, providing buses, rail, and HOV lanes.  It began operating the first light rail system in the Southwest United States in 1996 and continues to expand its coverage. Two light rail lines are in current service. DART will open additional two lines by the end of the decade.  Further ambitions include expanding the commuter network in the region to over 93 miles with a downtown subway included.

In conclusion, I can find divisions in Dallas that could be a obstacle to become a better city.  However, the city is active to make a better city.  It would be interesting to review the problems they have and anticipate the consequences of their effort or come up with better solutions.