Deep Ellum Foundation

About the Foundation.

The Deep Ellum Foundation operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation managing public and private funds within the community to advance the interests of the neighborhood as a whole and achieve a sustainable growth trajectory for the district now and into the future.

Serving the neighborhood

The Deep Ellum PID

The Deep Ellum Foundation manages the Public Improvement District, which was established in 1999. The City of Dallas’ Public Improvement District (PID) program allows for groups of property owners to request special property tax assessments for the provision of services above typical City of Dallas levels.

The Deep Ellum area consists of approximately 700 properties and is a combination of business, residential, public and light industrial uses.

Services provided by the PID

  • Security patrol and planning
  • Landscaping and park improvements
  • Litter pickup and sidewalk cleaning
  • Graffiti control
  • Enhancement of transportation facilities and amenities
  • Marketing and promotional activities
  • Distinctive lighting and signage
  • Business development and recruitment
  • Related services and activities approved by the Dallas City Council
Our district

Deep Ellum PID boundaries

View the district boundary map and learn more about the Deep Ellum Public Improvement District on the City of Dallas website.

Visitors browsing artwork at a Deep Ellum community gathering
The neighborhood we envision

DEF Vision

At the Deep Ellum Foundation, we collectively envision a Deep Ellum neighborhood that is safe, secure, inviting, connected to surrounding districts and is a true live-work-play environment that simultaneously embodies an authentic, unique and vibrant community.

Our purpose in action

DEF Mission

To achieve this vision, the Deep Ellum Foundation serves to maintain, enhance and advocate on behalf of the Deep Ellum neighborhood by:

  1. Connecting and informing stakeholders
  2. Providing public safety services
  3. Maintaining and improving the built environment
  4. Marketing and promoting the area, and
  5. Cultivating core assets including art, music, culture, entrepreneurship and diversity that continuously spur the community to thrive.