Tennell Atkins was first elected in June 2007 to represent Dallas City Council District 8, the southernmost district of Dallas. He began his 8th term as a Dallas City Council Member in June 2023. As the Dallas City Council representative for District 8, the Council Member is committed to promoting economic development, including new business recruitment, enhanced human capital support, and infrastructure renewal.
Mayor Pro Tem Atkins serves as the Chair of the Economic Development Committee, Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee on Pensions, and Chair of  Administrative Ad Hoc Committee. He also serves on Ad Hoc Committee of Leiglative Affairs, Transportation and Infrastructure,  and Ad Hoc Committee of Public Safety.