Originally from Amarillo, I moved to the DFW area for college and never left. My family and I have called Benbrook home since 2009, and we are deeply invested in this community. Our children attend Benbrook schools, and like so many families here, we care deeply about the quality of our schools, neighborhoods, public services, and the long-term future of the city. We value the character, relationships, and sense of community that make Benbrook such a special place to call home.
I’m the Co-Founder, President, and CEO of Opportunity Resource Services, a Texas nonprofit working to break generational poverty through education and workforce opportunity. I’ve also served on the Benbrook City Council since 2018, representing the entire city and working to ensure every neighborhood and resident has a voice.
I’m active with the Texas Business Leadership Council and the Benbrook Chamber of Commerce, with a particular interest in economic growth and public policy. I’ve traveled extensively across the United States and internationally, but Benbrook is home—and serving this community remains one of my greatest honors.
My approach to public service is independent, pragmatic, and grounded in common sense. I’m drawn to practical solutions and I believe good leadership starts with integrity, honesty, and transparency. I believe we accomplish more when we work together, listen to one another, and focus on the issues that directly affect people’s lives. For me, serving in public office means serving everyone—not just those who agree with me—and working to help make our community a better place to live, work, raise a family, and build a future.
“The best way to predict the future is to create it” – Abraham Lincoln
Core Values
Community & Family
I believe in the power of a hopeful, supportive community—especially in the strength of our families. Finding ways to support, nurture, and empower Benbrook families is central to my desire to serve on City Council, and I believe it is essential to building a healthy and vibrant community.
Honesty & Integrity
Honesty and integrity must be central pillars for everyone, especially for those entrusted with influence and leadership. While people may disagree about information, processes, or solutions, those disagreements should always be rooted in open, honest dialogue and a shared commitment to doing what is right. Progress is only possible when conversations are guided by truth, mutual respect, and integrity.
Sense of Humor
Dwight D. Eisenhower once said, “Always take your job seriously, never yourself.” Life should never be taken for granted, and we should not lose the ability to laugh when things do not go our way. In serving the City, I have not always gotten everything I wanted—nor should I—but I strive to approach difficult situations and challenging conversations with a sense of hope, humility, and joy.
Fiscal Prudence
I believe in fiscal prudence and frugality. There is a time to save and a time to spend, but there is always a responsibility to act prudently. As Benbrook has grown, we have consistently erred on the side of careful stewardship. The City’s balance sheet remains strong, expenses are well controlled, and investments have been directed toward critical infrastructure. At the same time, since I have held office, Benbrook’s tax rate has declined each year.
Civil Liberty & Human Decency
At a time when our nation is divided on many issues, it is critical that we treat one another with respect and decency and that we protect everyone’s constitutional and civil rights. I believe we can disagree passionately, remain firm in our principles, and still keep an open mind. I strive to listen and understand first, before I speak.
Practical Solutions
I have always been drawn to creative ideas that lead to practical solutions. I am a pragmatist at heart and enjoy finding new ways to solve problems. I teach my children to think outside the box, because there are almost always multiple paths forward—no matter how big or complex the challenge may seem. As Nelson Mandela said, “It always seems impossible until it is done.”
dustinphillips.org 