The following announcement is reposted with permission from Downtown Dallas, Inc.
Safe in the City is a multi-pronged campaign to improve public safety and aid rehousing and homelessness solutions in the core of our city. The private financial contributions are from leading business, civic, and philanthropic organizations to support increased security, homelessness response, video monitoring, and an initial lease period for a planned Downtown law enforcement command center.
The contributions are as follows:
• Communities Foundation of Texas (CFT): $1.5 million
• Dallas Regional Chamber (DRC): $500,000
• Dallas Citizens Council: $400,000
• Hoblitzelle Foundation: $100,000
“In Downtown, police presence is higher than ever, crime and homelessness are down, and our response system has never been stronger,” said DDI President & CEO Jennifer Scripps. “At the core of the Safe in the City strategy is the belief that a relatively modest increase in our investment in safety and security will yield exponential growth in our tax base, benefitting communities and strengthening services all over Dallas. This effort is key to attracting new residents, new investments, and ultimately more sustained vibrancy.”
Scripps shared the news at today’s annual DDI State of Downtown event, presented by Headington Companies/The Joule and held at Thompson Dallas Hotel in Downtown. The event featured Scripps interviewing Dallas Police Chief Daniel C. Comeaux, who has made Downtown police presence a top priority. The funding reflects growing confidence from Safe in the City coalition members about strategies and progress to date.
“Communities Foundation of Texas is committed to investing in Downtown Dallas as part of our vision of a thriving community. Without a strong Downtown, without a strong Central Business District, we will not have a strong Dallas. Dallas is the heart of the growth in this region, and ensuring the safety of both residents and visitors is a key component of our success,” said Wayne White, President and CEO, Communities Foundation of Texas.
Violent crime in Downtown Dallas is down by more than 16% so far this year, including a substantial 36% drop in aggravated assaults (non-family violence) through this week, according to Dallas Police Department statistics. DDI’s Security team is also reporting big reductions in quality-of-life infractions, including a 52% drop in disorderly conduct and a 36% decrease in sleeping in public.
The number of officers assigned to the Central Patrol Division has increased from fewer than 90 two years ago to 118 today.
“The Dallas Region has become synonymous with economic growth and prosperity as companies continue to move and thrive here, creating good jobs for our people—and the future looks even brighter than today,” said DRC President & CEO Dale Petroskey. “We know Dallas’ urban core will continue to play a vital role in region-wide prosperity and a high quality of life for all people, so it’s important we work hard and invest now so that companies and people will continue to make Downtown even more vibrant for many years to come.”
The safety strategy in Downtown is based largely on a Boston Consulting Group (BCG) analysis conducted last year with local stakeholders. That work was commissioned shortly after a group of business and civic leaders, as well as public officials, convened in early 2024 to address post-pandemic challenges related to Downtown public safety, homelessness, and vibrancy and economic development.
The six pillars of the plan are:
- Increase Policing and Presence
- Increase Coordination Among Police and Security Entities
- Continue the Push for Rehousing
- Expand Community Court
- “De-magnetize” Hotspots
- Address Needs Associated with Re-entry from State Prisons
“The Dallas Citizens Council is a proud founding partner of the Safe in the City initiative because we understand how vital a thriving Downtown is to the success of the rest of Dallas,” said Dallas Citizens Council CEO Kelvin Walker. “Downtown is worthy of investment because it will drive new businesses, residents, and visitors to the heart of our city.”
Added Hoblitzelle Foundation President & CEO Katie H. Robbins: “As one of Dallas’ oldest philanthropic institutions, we believe this kind of collective action honors the spirit of our organization’s longstanding vision to invest in initiatives that strengthen the social fabric of our city. Through strong collaboration between Downtown Dallas, Inc. and Housing Forward, Safe in the City addresses critical needs related to Downtown homelessness while also advancing broader safety efforts. It is exactly what we value most: practical, collaborative, and transformative.”
About the Partners
Safe in the City is a public-private initiative powered by Downtown Dallas, Inc. (DDI), Communities Foundation of Texas, the Dallas Citizens Council, the Dallas Regional Chamber, Hoblitzelle Foundation, Housing Forward, and the City of Dallas, in partnership with:
Allied Universal Security Services, AT&T, AT&T Performing Arts Center, AUDIOSHA, C&A PROTECTIVE SOLUTIONS, Celebree School of Dallas Arts District, CivTech, Inc., Cobb Martinez Woodward PLLC, Comerica Bank, Dallas Arts District, Dallas Citizens Council, Dallas College Police Department, Dallas Mavericks, Downtown Dallas Parks Conservancy, Elm Street Cask & Kitchen, First Presbyterian Church of Dallas, Glen Park Capital, GuardTexas, Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Dallas, Hyatt Regency Dallas, JBJ Management, Kimley-Horn and Associates, LAZ Parking, M&A Development, Matthews, Operators Club, Parking Management Company, Platinum Parking, PL-GC, Plaza of the Americas, Renaissance Dallas Hotel, The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, Touchstone Bernays, TownePlace Suites & Fairfield Inn & Suites Dallas Downtown, West End Association, Wild Bill’s Western Store
