To develop the Deep Ellum Public Improvement District Strategic Plan 2019–2025, the Deep Ellum Foundation underwent a yearlong outreach and exploratory process, consulting with business owners, property owners, residents and visitors in order to understand current concerns, unearth emerging needs, and anticipate future challenges facing the district.

We engaged with neighborhood stakeholders and patrons through many outlets, including roundtables and workshops, public chalk walls, online surveys, social media, individual interviews, presentations and breakout sessions, community mapping and focus groups.

Throughout the process, we met regularly with our Strategic Plan Task Force and the Deep Ellum Foundation Board to synthesize, hone and refine the plan.

With both overarching themes and specific action items included, the 2019–2025 Deep Ellum Public Improvement District Strategic Plan served as a roadmap guiding the Deep Ellum Foundation’s activities during those years. The action items outlined in that plan helped shape the Foundation’s priorities, partnerships, and initiatives as we worked alongside stakeholders to support the neighborhood’s continued growth and vitality.

In 2026, the launch of the Deep Ellum Community Safety Plan 2.0 builds on that foundation, introducing updated strategies and collaborative efforts designed to strengthen public safety and support a safe, welcoming, and thriving cultural district.

DEF’s strategic work for the Deep Ellum Public Improvement District has been shaped by the input of many. Neither the Foundation’s daily work nor the continued evolution of these plans would be possible without the voluntary contributions of the incredible range of DEPID Strategic Plan stakeholders who invest in this neighborhood every day.

We are thankful for your willingness to serve, learn, and create within and for this community. We are grateful for the time and talent shared by so many and look forward to continuing to engage with you as we carry this work forward.