Guided by our Strategic Plan
Programs & Initiatives
Our Strategic Plan sets the direction. Our programs, initiatives, and partnerships put it into action.
From public safety and everyday upkeep to local businesses, public art, and neighborhood connections, our work advances the five strategic pillars shaped by the Deep Ellum community.
01 / Strategic Pillar
Safe & Secure District
A coordinated approach to safety brings together people, prevention, outreach, and the tools that support a welcoming neighborhood.
Deep Ellum Safe
DEF coordinates neighborhood safety efforts with officers, security teams, businesses, property owners, and community partners. This work includes patrols, lighting, camera coverage, and ways for people to report concerns.
Community Engagers
Developed by DEF with Learn With Train LLC, the Community Engagers program focuses on prevention through connection. Trained team members build relationships, help de-escalate tensions, and connect people with information and resources.
Outreach & youth engagement
Safety also means responding to the needs of people in the neighborhood. DEF works with partners on outreach related to homelessness, youth engagement, and connections to support, bringing these efforts into the broader safety strategy.
02 / Strategic Pillar
Inviting Environment
The everyday care of Deep Ellum helps make it a place people want to spend time.
Clean streets & cared-for spaces
DEF supports the daily work of keeping the district clean and welcoming through litter pickup, sidewalk cleaning, graffiti removal, and care for shared spaces.
Beautification & improvements
Tree planting, landscaping, and neighborhood improvements help strengthen the experience of Deep Ellum’s streets and public spaces. DEF works with partners to identify needs and move improvements forward.
03 / Strategic Pillar
Authentic, Unique & Vibrant Community
Deep Ellum’s character comes from its people, independent businesses, creative work, and stories. We help connect the resources and opportunities that allow that character to thrive.
Business Development
Local Business Connect
DEF connects business owners and local teams through business meetings, hosting opportunities, resources for opening and operating a business, and stories from the people behind the doors.
A place for history, art & community
Deep Ellum Community Center
DEF secured grant funding to help open the Deep Ellum Community Center, creating a place for neighborhood history, art, and community connections. The Center’s own website shares exhibits, activities, and visitor information.
Arts, Culture & History
Creative work. Shared stories. Public experiences.
DEF works with artists, musicians, property owners, and cultural partners to bring creative projects into Deep Ellum. Explore the experiences and visitor information on DeepEllumTexas.com.
Murals & public art
DEF-led projects including Blues Alley and the Musical Art Garden bring local visual artists and musical storytelling into the neighborhood’s public spaces.
Streetpole banners
DEF’s banner initiatives give artists and photographers a public platform while celebrating Deep Ellum’s music, creativity, and cultural connections. Projects include Live Music Lens, New Growth, and the International Culture Showcase.
Pop-ups & cultural experiences
DEF works with property owners to connect artists with temporarily available spaces through Pop Up Galleries. Self-guided experiences such as the Deep Ellum Art Walk help people discover creative work and the stories behind it.
Events & neighborhood stories
DEF-led celebrations such as Deep Ellum Block Party, Tree Lighting, and Winter WTFLand bring people together around the neighborhood’s creativity and independent spirit. We also help share the people and stories that make Deep Ellum distinctive.
04 / Strategic Pillar
Activated & Promoted Experience
Helping people discover Deep Ellum supports the businesses, venues, artists, and experiences that make the neighborhood thrive.
Marketing & neighborhood promotion
Through DeepEllumTexas.com, newsletters, social storytelling, and promotional campaigns, DEF connects audiences with the district’s businesses, music, food, art, and events.
Sharing business & event updates
DEF’s communication channels give neighborhood happenings a wider audience. Local businesses can share promotions for newsletter consideration and connect with the Foundation’s business community.
05 / Strategic Pillar
Accessible & Interconnected Neighborhood
A connected neighborhood is easier to reach, explore, and enjoy.
DEF works with public agencies, property owners, businesses, and community partners on mobility, transportation coordination, and connections within Deep Ellum and to surrounding districts.
For parking, transit, rideshare, walking, and other visitor information, head directly to the Getting Around page on DeepEllumTexas.com.
Stay connected
Be part of what comes next.
Follow the Foundation’s work, discover neighborhood updates, and find ways to share your time and talents.