Councilman Gracey is a dedicated public servant with over 28 years of experience in leadership, government, and finance. He is committed to improving the lives of his constituents and has a proven track record of success in budgeting, economic development, and community engagement.
As a husband and father of two, Zarin understands the importance of strong family values and works to promote these values in his community. He is also deeply involved in his church and serves on several nonprofit boards, including the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce and Brother Bill's Helping Hand.
Zarin is a highly qualified and experienced leader with a diverse background in government, finance, and community service. He has a strong educational foundation, including a certification in state and local government from the prestigious Harvard JFK School of Government and a Master's degree in Organizational Leadership from Luther Rice University & Seminary, and a B.S. in Accounting from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (HBCU).
In his nearly 16 years of local government experience, Zarin has developed expertise in a range of areas, including budgeting and accounting, economic development, municipal finance, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and community engagement. He has also served as a leader, holding positions such as Chair of the Dallas Public Facilities Corporation and Planning and Zoning Commissioner for District 3.
In addition to his professional achievements, Zarin is also deeply involved in his community, serving on multiple nonprofit boards and as the Chair elect for Brother Bill's Helping Hand in West Dallas. As a husband of 20 years to his wife Erin, and father of two, Zarin understands the importance of strong family values and works to promote these values in his community. He currently serves as the Executive Pastor at Concord Church under the leadership of Bryan Carter, Senior Pastor.
Areas of Expertise
- Organizational Leadership
- Diversity, Inclusion, Equity Public Procurement
- Governmental Budgeting/Accounting Public Policy
- Nonprofit Management Community Engagement Leadership Development
Platform
Zarin understands every decision he makes will have a direct impact on the quality of life for all residents. Zarin is committed to protecting and enhancing green spaces and public parks, promoting arts and cultural events, and ensuring access to affordable housing and public services.
Zarin will promote increased funding for law enforcement and first responders, implement programs to address substance abuse and addiction and develop strategies to reduce gun violence and gang activity.
Zarin understands the importance of supporting local minority, and women-owned businesses. He will fight for the growth and development of small businesses and entrepreneurship programs and provide tax incentives for businesses that create new jobs in the community.
With over a decade of experience working at City Hall, Zarin has the knowledge and understanding of economic development and will fight to bring investments for infrastructure into District 3 to stimulate economic growth, create new livable wage paying jobs, and increase our tax base.