Who We Are, What We Do
Downtown Dallas, Inc. Mission:
We are the principal advocate, champion and steward of Downtown, affecting change by developing strategies, setting targets and mobilizing resources that:
- Stimulate a vibrant and sustainable Downtown environment
- Improve infrastructure
- Enhance economic competitiveness
- Create a culturally inclusive urban center
- Positon the area as a global destination
Downtown Dallas, Inc (DDI) is a private 501 (c) 3 organization, funded by voluntary membership dues, assessment revenue from the Improvement District established in 1992 and through contracts with the City of Dallas for specific projects and programs.
DDI's program areas include:
HOUSING
After creating the Intown Housing Initiative, the City Center TIF, the Downtown Connection TIF and the Downtown Dallas Development Authority resulting in 30,000 residents in the Downtown area today, the DDI Development Incentives Task Force (a group of member volunteers) is now working a plan for the next phase of residential development which will address plans for affordable workforce housing and educational facilities to sustain Downtown residential population growth.
COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Since 2000, Downtown Dallas, Inc. facilitated the lease-up of 120,000-square-feet of retail/restaurant space in the Main Street District, bringing the total to 250,000-square-feet, with the goal of an additional 250,000-square-feet by 2010. Downtown Dallas, Inc. also actively engages in corporate recruitment and retention initiatives.
PUBLIC POLICY
Recent DDI lobbying efforts and resolutions have been passed concerning: The Super Bowl XLV Bid, Trinity River Parkway, Convention Center Hotel, Late Night Dance Hall Permits, Newsrack Ordinance, Video boards/sign ordinance, Burglary of a Motor Vehicle, Panhandling Ordinance and the UNT School of Law.
IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
DDI created the Improvement District in 1992, a funding mechanism and management district for programs that keep Downtown, clean, safe and lively. In April 2006, the Improvement District was renewed with an 86% approval rating from Downtown property owners.
SAFETY
DDI led the way for the installation of 90 security cameras Downtown.
DDI manages the Downtown Safety Patrol, a 50-person private security force who acts as extra 'eyes and ears' for the Dallas Police Department Downtown.
TRANSPORTATION
DDI created the Comprehensive Transportation Plan for Downtown and is working closely with DART to determine the best route for the second alignment of light rail through Downtown.
DDI created and manages CityPark, a reduced-rate public parking program.
QUALITY OF LIFE
DDI led the planning effort for the Central Business District Parks Master Plan.
DDI maintains the Downtown environment through hands-on projects like tree planting, landscaping, park and plaza renovation, sidewalk repair and other maintenance initiatives.
DDI started the first recycling program for Downtown which has collected over 50 tons of paper, resulting in saving 388 cubic yards of landfill space.
DDI's Clean Team annually removes over 8,000 bags of litter and 4,200 pieces of graffiti.
MARKETING
DDI has launched a comprehensive consumer image and branding campaign for Downtown, which has included a new web site (yourDspot.com), billboards, interactive and print materials. downtowndallas.org and mainstreetgardens.org is also maintained by DDI
Some of DDI's communications include:
- D SPOT entertainment guides
- Downtown This Month: Monthly electronic newsletter
- D SPOT Hot Spot e-blasts
- Breaking news e-blasts
- Regular bylines and coverage in publications such as: the Dallas Business Journal, The Dallas Morning News, Wall Street Journal, Office and Commercial Real Estate Magazine and Texas Real Estate Business.
