In the premiere episode of Let’s Talk Local, host Sarah Zubiate Bennett sits down with newly retired Assistant Police Chief Reuben Ramirez to reflect on his 30-year career with the Dallas Police Department. Together, they dive into the challenges facing the department, including one issue many might not expect. Later, the episode celebrates fresh beginnings with a spotlight on Boxed Bites in Preston Center—a must-visit for charcuterie lovers! Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe!

Join Sarah Zubiate Bennett as she cruises through Dallas, sharing her favorite aspects of the city and the passion that fuels her drive for change. Then, we take a quick detour to Sarah’s home for some exciting updates on the podcast that we can’t wait to reveal!

In this episode, Sarah sits down with Mark Moses, author of The Municipal Financial Crisis, to dive deep into the alarming financial mismanagement in the City of Dallas. With a $38 million deficit, millions spent on underperforming services like DART, and critical shortages in funding for vital assets such as more police officers, the conversation reveals the biggest challenges facing the city today. How can Dallas find a path to financial sustainability?

Plus, we head to Lakewood for Brunch on a Budget – discover how to enjoy one of the city’s trendiest neighborhoods without breaking the bank!