December 3, 2020: The City of Dallas, Dallas PD, and DART PD continue to collaborate with Downtown business partners to activate an enhanced enforcement initiative to provide increased and more visible patrols, enforce the ongoing juvenile curfew, and provide additional manpower to curtail speeding and street racing in Downtown and surrounding entertainment districts.
The enforcement initiative launched by the City of Dallas, Dallas PD, and DART PD, and with support from the Downtown business community, continues to make progress and will be in effect through the end of the year.
DPD began enforcing the juvenile curfew ordinance Labor Day weekend, which covers Deep Ellum, West End, Farmers Market, Uptown, Victory Park, and the Central Business District. The ordinance applies to juveniles under the age of 17 who are in a public place in the curfew area from 12:01 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. Friday and Saturday and from 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. on Sunday.
Downtown Dallas, Inc. and DPD continue the collaborative work to maintain the efforts of this initiative through open lines of communication and constant reassessment of the Downtown area. We have seen progress made towards our shared goals of keeping Downtown a safe place for all.
DPD has furthered their efforts in Downtown Dallas with:
Officers patrolling utilizing the overhead cruise lights for visibility
Increased high-visibility patrols by uniformed officers
Deployment of plain clothes officers
Downtown Dallas, Inc. continues to observe, listen, and respond to the needs and concerns of Downtown. The below highlights are enhancements to DDI services that have already been implemented and will continue to keep Downtown safe:
Daily hours for DDI Security are from 6:30 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. DDI is providing additional security coverage at Main Street Garden, Belo Garden, and Pegasus Plaza from 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at each location.
Dedicated off-duty DPD officer at Main Street Garden daily (four-hour shifts). As a reminder, DDI funds off-duty DPD officers seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
City of Dallas Park Department has increased their deployment of Park Rangers to provide additional patrols throughout Downtown parks.
DDI has added 18 new full-time security professionals this year.
We appreciate our continued partnership with DPD. And remember, if you see something, say something! You can report non-emergency incidents through the See Say Now app, by texting a report to 972.440.1995, or by calling the dispatch number for DDI Security and Clean Team at 214.741.1151. Please dial 911 in the event of an emergency.
Goldstein to Lead All Internal and External Communications and Government Relations
DALLAS (Nov. 10, 2020) – Today, Downtown Dallas, Inc. (DDI) named Scott Goldstein its Chief of Communications & Policy, effective Nov. 30, 2020. He will report directly to DDI’s President & CEO, Kourtny Garrett.
In this newly created executive position, Goldstein will be responsible for advancing the voice and position of the organization, with a particular focus on corporate, business-to-business, economic development, and government relations. He will lead all external and internal communications efforts, as well as manage all local, state, and national policy matters that relate to Downtown Dallas.
“As the advocate, champion, and steward for Downtown, it is more important than ever before that DDI maintains its strength and fundamental support of the city’s core – it is imperative to the social and economic health of all of Dallas,” said Garrett. “Scott has been ingrained in our community for the last 15 years, and his working knowledge and understanding of the city are unmatched – he will be a tremendous champion for the city as we continue to position Downtown for future success.”
Goldstein brings more than a decade of high-level civic and communications experience to DDI. Most recently, he was senior vice president of communications, marketing, and events for the Dallas Regional Chamber. Prior to that, he was a top aide to former Mayor Mike Rawlings and served as Chief of Policy and Communications on his staff. Goldstein was also the digital content editor for Baylor Scott & White Health. He began his career in 2006 as a reporter for The Dallas Morning News, where he wrote about southern Dallas, criminal justice and Dallas City Hall over eight years.
“Scott is a great salesman for Dallas,” Rawlings said. “DDI is fortunate to have him on the team because he will paint a great picture for everyone, citizens and investors, about the opportunity in Downtown Dallas. He also knows how to face complex challenges and bring people together to solve them for the good of our city.”
Goldstein is a Maryland native and 2005 graduate of the University of Maryland. He resides in the Lake Highlands area of Dallas with his wife and two daughters.
Downtown Dallas, Inc. (DDI) is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(6) organization that serves as the primary advocate, champion, and steward for Downtown. Since our founding in 1958, DDI has been the only organization solely dedicated to the center of our city, with a mission of stimulating a vibrant and sustainable environment, improving infrastructure, enhancing economic competitiveness, creating a culturally inclusive urban center, and fostering innovation in every aspect of the urban experience. DDI is funded through two primary resources. One is the Downtown Improvement District (DID), an assessment on properties within “the freeway loop*” through a property owner and City of Dallas approved public improvement district. The second is membership, which supplements core improvement district funds and enables the organization to engage more deeply in advocacy, economic development, and marketing initiatives. Members represent the commercial and multi-family property owners, major corporations, and many small and emerging businesses that are passionately driving the exponential growth within the city center of Dallas. DDI is also affiliated with the Downtown Dallas, Inc. Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization that engages in charitable projects which further the DDI mission, with particular focus on “kids and parks.”
Downtown Dallas, Inc.’s annual insert all about Downtown Dallas featured inside the Dallas Business Journal can be viewed in its entirety by clicking here. Enjoy!
Downtown Dallas, Inc. (DDI) is proud to announce a recommitment to our Field Operations services, continuing to emphasize our priority on a “Safe and Clean” Downtown Dallas. Efforts include an enhanced safety and security program comprised of improved visibility, response, and coverage, as well as more robust cleaning, maintenance, and homeless outreach services. This strengthening of DDI Field Operations is aimed to best serve you, Downtown’s workforce, residents, and visitors.
Public Safety is always our first priority
In 2004, DDI launched the Downtown Safety Patrol to supplement as additional “eyes and ears” for local law enforcement partners, serve as a friendly face of security Downtown, and be a resource for the Downtown community. Over the past 16 years, the team has contributed countless hours and efforts on the front lines to positively influence the Downtown experience daily, including over 90,000 hours of proactive security patrols annually.
Like any long-standing program, after evaluation, listening, and understanding Downtown’s current needs, DDI recognized an opportunity to reinforce our priority on a safe and clean Downtown under the leadership of DDI’s Senior Director of Public Safety, Albert Sanchez, whose experience includes 10 years and sergeant rank with the Dallas Police Department. As of October 15, 2020, the now-renamed Downtown Dallas, Inc. Security team (formerly Downtown Safety Patrol) has been staffed to its highest levels to date, graduating a new class of 10 additional officers earlier this month, and recruiting for another to be in training next month, to bring the total number of officers Downtown to 55. Officers will also be more visible, dawning new royal blue uniforms, brightly wrapped and lit micro-vehicles (gem cars, T-3s, and bikes), and strategically placed security stations will be visible in Downtown parks.
The DDI Security team training program is robust, resulting in highly trained, licensed security officers. The officers complete a Texas DPS required certification course in addition to a DDI-designed training program that includes expert-led courses in situational awareness, de-escalation training, crisis intervention, mental health and substance abuse, and DPD led law-enforcement. In addition, VisitDallas assists with hospitality training, along with customer service and Downtown culture curricula.
Mr. Sanchez stated, “Increasing the number of DDI Security officers to historic levels and enhancing our team’s professional appearance will significantly expand our visibility and position us to create a Downtown ‘where all feel welcomed and inspired to dream big,’ which is the mission-driving statement our team has adopted.”
In addition to regular patrol seven days per week in every area of Downtown, DDI Security responds to calls for assistance directly to dispatch and alerts submitted in our See Say Nowapp and by text. The team is also available to provide courtesy walks during hours of operation. To provide additional security to our Downtown parks, officers proactively patrol each park greeting visitors and reminding everyone of the park rules.
A Safe and CLEAN Downtown
At Downtown Dallas, Inc., we work every day to improve the quality of life for everyone in Downtown Dallas, and that means keeping our streets maintained to the highest of standards.
DDI also funds the Downtown Clean Team, a group of 17 full-time employees dedicated seven days a week to keep the Downtown streets and sidewalks clean by picking up litter, maintaining the parks, removing graffiti, and assisting with many public improvement projects in Downtown Dallas. In 2020, the Clean Team expanded not only the number of employees but also hours of operations, allowing more hours of service since the program was created. And since the pandemic began, the Clean Team has enhanced the aforementioned services and now sanitizes high-touch items in the public space and parks such as tables, benches, playgrounds, and trash receptacles.
DDI has recently doubled our power washing efforts. This enhancement will ensure roughly 500,000 square feet of sidewalks are washed monthly. Power washing services are provided throughout Downtown with a focus on pedestrian corridors and parks.
With the addition of new public spaces and parks, the Clean Team plays a vital and essential role ensuring all spaces are clean, well maintained, and welcoming to all users.
As part of our enhanced services, you will now see the Clean Team out and about in brand new green polo shirts, brightly colored trucks, litter vacuums, GEM cars, and push carts to enhance their visibility.
Homeless Outreach
The mission of our homeless outreach program is to be a steward of Downtown Dallas by implementing a strategic and innovative approach to street outreach, in combination with supporting the homeless solutions community in their efforts to end homelessness. Developed from a pilot program two years ago, DDI’s program focuses on consistent quality engagement to relate to homeless individuals, then refer those individuals, based on specific needs, to applicable service providers for long-term solutions.
Our entire Homeless Outreach team can be found throughout Downtown, engaging with the homeless population in purple polo shirts and a branded purple GEM car.
The team is comprised of an Outreach Manager, Outreach Coordinator, and a Street Outreach Specialist. They are skilled conversationalists with a passion for identifying root causes and building a roadmap out of homelessness for each individual. Through DDI’s program, the team is on track to engage in over 5,000 hours of street outreach annually.
Thanks to the collaboration with the City of Dallas Office of Homeless Solutions and many other partner organizations listed below, we have been able to have a positive impact.
Partnerships:
UT Southwestern Department of Family and Community Medicine – intern program dedicated to building sustainable and innovative programs within DDI’s Street Outreach Program
The Cardboard Project – collaboration to close the digital divide among the unsheltered homeless and scale virtual street outreach. They provide professional emails and virtual voicemails to help our homeless friends gain employment and other services.
The Bridge – created a Fellowship program that provides homeless individuals in the transition unit at The Bridge an opportunity to join the DDI Street Outreach Team. The Fellow’s role on the street outreach team is to use his/her personal testimony to connect and encourage the unsheltered homeless to seek resources that ultimately will end their homelessness.
Homeward Bound Reunification Program – DDI funded program connecting unsheltered homeless individuals to a stable support system via the purchase of Greyhound Bus tickets
“A clean and safe Downtown is the foundation of a strong core,” said Kourtny Garrett, President & CEO of Downtown Dallas, Inc. “DDI’s further investment in these programs is a direct result of the continued growth of Downtown over the last decade-plus, and I’m proud of our ability to remain nimble and respond to immediate as well as future needs.”
How to Reach Us
You can report incidents through the See Say Now app, by texting a report to 972.440.1995, or by calling the dispatch number for DDI Security and Clean Team at 214.741.1151.
We’re asking our 116K+ fellow DDI Instagram followers to pen digital “Love Letters” to Downtown telling us what you absolutely adore about Downtown Dallas for a chance to win $100 in gift cards to local Downtown Dallas businesses. One winner will be chosen each Thursday beginning September 24th.
GIVEAWAY RULES:
Love letter must be in Instagram caption only (not comments)
Must solely share content that is related to the campaign.
Must refrain from using profanity or harmful language that would diminish the DDI brand.
Must tag @downtown_dallas & #iLoveMyDTD
One (1) winner will be chosen each week
* Submissions may be used for various marketing materials (i.e. print, on banners, window wraps, campaigns, etc.)
TIMELINE
Giveaway will launch every Friday
Winner will be announced each Thursday after giveaway start date
Giveaway will run through November 30.
EXAMPLES
Tell us what you love about Downtown!
Video/Image Your favorite park A sentimental place Hotels Favorite business or place to shop Hidden gems Favorite restaurants or bars Museums Places to take your furry friends Architecture Favorite district: ie. Main Street District, Dallas Farmers Market, West End, East Quarter, Dallas Arts District.
Downtown Dallas, Inc. (DDI) continues to observe, listen, and respond to the needs and concerns of Downtown. The below highlights are enhancements to DDI services that have already been implemented or will be implemented next week.
PUBLIC SAFETY + HOMELESS OUTREACH
Daily hours for the Downtown Safety Patrol are from 6:30 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. DDI is providing additional security coverage at Main Street Garden, Belo Garden, and Pegasus Plaza from 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at each location (168 hours of weekly additional security presence).
There is now a dedicated off-duty DPD officer at Main Street Garden daily (four-hour shifts / 28 hours per week). Also, DDI is providing additional DPD patrols and resources weekly in Downtown. As a reminder, DDI already funds off-duty DPD officers seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
City of Dallas Park Department has increased their deployment of Park Rangers to provide additional patrols throughout Downtown parks.
Safety Patrol is adding 18 new full-time security professionals.
Homeless Outreach Team has grown to three members (Manager, Coordinator, and Street Outreach Specialist). This team dedicates over 80 hours a week to meaningful engagements with individuals experiencing homelessness. Within the last 45 – 60 days, DDI’s outreach team has successfully connected 17 individuals experiencing homelessness to long-term service recovery programs.
We have launched the Homeless Fellowship Program by hiring an individual who is sheltered at The Bridge Transitional Unit as an independent contractor to join the DDI Street Outreach Team during engagements with shelter-resistant individuals.
DDI continues to work with the City, surrounding neighborhoods, and scooter operators to address concerns related to scooter operations throughout the area. DDI is hopeful that additional information regarding scooter operations will be communicated next week.
CLEANING + MAINTENANCE
Daily hours for the Clean Team are 6:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Clean Team has added three new full-time positions.
Clean Team continues to provide sanitization of high-touch items in the public space and parks such as tables, benches, playgrounds, and trash receptacles.
DDI is providing funding to double the frequency of our power washing contractors’ efforts, and will be purchasing additional power washing equipment for Clean Team to begin utilizing on an on-call basis starting in September. As a reminder, DDI already provides over 250,000 square feet of power washing each month; this enhancement will ensure roughly 500,000 square feet of sidewalks are washed monthly. Pressure washing services are provided throughout Downtown with a focus on pedestrian corridors. Additionally, Clean Team will begin daily washing of hot spots as needed.
DDI has purchased and is installing 16 park rules signs that are being deployed to Pacific Plaza, Main Street Garden, Pegasus Plaza, and Belo Garden. Expect to see increased enforcement of park rules.
These are just a few of the enhanced services you will see from DDI immediately. Stay tuned for more information on upcoming plans and enhanced programs next week! As always, report issues as you see them right from your phone on the See Say Now app, available on Android and iPhone. You can also reach dispatch at 214.741.1151. Have ideas or feedback? Email us at info@downtowndallas.com.
Downtown Dallas, Inc. established a Storefront Restoration Program to provide financial assistance to Downtown businesses that sustained damages to their storefronts in the social unrest and protests of May and June 2020. In an effort to support and sustain vibrant street-level retail activity, and to further support businesses already affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the program provided grants in an amount up to $5,000 to fund the replacement of windows, doors, signage, exterior paint, and patio furnishings damaged in the protests. The application process was closed in June. Through the Storefront Restoration Program, Downtown Dallas, Inc. provided nearly $91,000 to 28 Downtown businesses!
Downtown Dallas, Inc. (DDI) is pleased to announce that we have approved a Storefront Restoration Program aimed to help businesses in Downtown who were impacted by damage during the demonstrations. The program is intended to help street level businesses with losses not covered by insurance or other means. Grants will be capped at $5,000.
Please review the following documents for more information and how to apply:
Downtown Dallas, Inc., in partnership with the City of Dallas, has developed a program that may be helpful to local businesses during these challenging times. As social distancing requirements are changing the manner in which merchants conduct business, the need for additional use of outdoor spaces adjacent to their location may be helpful on a temporary basis. With that in mind, the City has created a new temporary pop-up patio (parklet) program that will be permitted through the Office of Special Events https://www.dallasspecialevents.com/temp-parklet/, and DDI is here to help you through the entire process.
The below .pdf will further explain the program and ways in which DDI can support businesses. If you are a business or know of one interested in participating, please reach out directly to Juan Galvan at galvan@downtowndallas.com.
Downtown Dallas, Inc.'s Blog 