Uptown Dallas Inc
About Uptown Dallas Inc
Uptown Dallas Inc. is the group behind the Uptown Public Improvement District, where the work shows up in the everyday details, safety patrols, daily cleaning, lighting, repairs, events, and mobility projects. It also helps support places and systems people actually use, from Griggs Park to the McKinney Avenue trolley. If you care about a district that feels cared for, this is the kind of local stewardship that makes that possible.
What sets Uptown Dallas Inc. apart is how directly it tends to the district people live, work, and visit every day. Its work reaches from public safety and maintenance to public art, community programming, Griggs Park, and the McKinney Avenue trolley, so the whole place gets attention, not just one part of it.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Public safety patrols
Payment to Tactical Protection Services for security using off-duty police officers in vehicle patrol and bicycle patrol, plus daily neighborhood safety patrols and a safety tip line.
Maintenance and cleanliness
Landscaping, lighting, repairs, daily cleaning, graffiti removal, sidewalk sweeping, and other work that keeps public spaces polished and welcoming.
Capital improvements
Long-term infrastructure and public realm upgrades within the public improvement district, including right-of-way and neighborhood enhancement projects.
Community events and marketing
Promotion of Uptown activities and events, including Movies in the Park, block parties, markets, fitness classes, and neighborhood outreach.
McKinney Avenue trolley support
Support for the McKinney Avenue Transit Authority public transportation system, including expansion, maintenance, and equipment support.
50/50 Assistance/Enhancement Program
Assistance for property owners applying for public right-of-way enhancements connected to their property.
Griggs Park stewardship
Reconstruction, expansion, and ongoing improvements to Griggs Park, including amenities, lighting, walking paths, and play spaces.
Public art in Uptown
Mural and public art installations that add vibrancy to streets, trail corridors, and public spaces.
Two-way street conversion
Planning and promotion of smart mobility improvements, including the conversion of McKinney and Cole toward two-way neighborhood streets.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
Uptown Dallas Inc. promotes Uptown in Dallas, provides a safer environment, supports special district services, advances a master plan for Uptown, supports the McKinney Avenue trolley, and enhances the area's historic character and identity.
Who they serve
Residents, workers, visitors, businesses, and property owners in Uptown Dallas.
Their impact
- Uptown Dallas hosted 22 events in 2025, 19 of them free.
- 2,200 people attended the 2025 Uptown Block Party.
- Griggs Park had 147,600 visits in 2025, including 80,200 unique visitors.
- Tactical Protection Services responded to 1,922 total calls in 2025.
- Overall crime in Uptown was down 17% in 2025.
- Uptown Dallas Inc. raised $28,000 in Marketing Initiative Dollars.
- The UDI Board of Directors volunteered more than 2,000 hours each year.
How your donation helps
- Safety patrols and tactical protection services
- Community events and neighborhood programming
- Capital improvements and public realm upgrades
- McKinney Avenue trolley support
- Marketing and promotion of Uptown activities
Our story
Uptown’s modern-day renewal started taking shape in the late 1980s, when local developers and residents saw new potential in an area that had been in decline. In 1988, the City of Dallas and local developers launched the State-Thomas Tax Increment Financing district to help fund infrastructure. Uptown, Inc. followed in 1992, then the Uptown Public Improvement District in 1993, and the organization grew into the steward of neighborhood safety, maintenance, mobility, events, and public spaces.
Need help?
How someone in need can access Uptown Dallas Inc’s services.
For non-emergency safety concerns in Uptown, call or text the safety tip line at (214) 214-8786.
In their words
People thought we were crazy, but we believed in what Uptown could be.
This wasn’t just development. It was a commitment to walkability, livability, and connection.
We saw a need to protect Uptown’s growth and invest in its future, together.
Planning with the community, not just for it.
Events
Movies in the Park
Tuesday nights in MayA free outdoor movie series in Griggs Park with fan-favorite films and a neighborhood gathering atmosphere.
Annual Uptown Block Party
annualA community celebration with music, food, games, a market, and photo opportunities in the heart of Uptown.
Let's Talk Uptown
regularA public safety forum that brings together community members, law enforcement, and city officials.
Hero Fest
A community event listed in Uptown's 2025 programming.
Merry Night Market
A market event listed in Uptown's 2025 programming.
Annual Meeting Town Hall Block Party
annualAn annual meeting event held in a block-party format for the Uptown community.
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles Uptown Dallas Inc has shared.
Volunteer opportunities
- Join a committee.
Recognition & press
In the media
- UDI and Autside Bring the Play for All Pitch to Uptown Dallas, a feature about a free public soccer pitch at Griggs Park.
- fox4news.com coverage of the June 2025 Uptown Safety HQ unveiling.
Partners & funders
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
How does Uptown Dallas Inc. help keep Uptown safe?
It works with Tactical Protection Services and off-duty police officers on daily vehicle and bicycle patrols, uses surveillance cameras, and offers a safety tip line for non-emergency concerns.
What is the 50/50 Assistance/Enhancement Program?
It gives property owners in the district a way to apply for help with public right-of-way enhancements connected to their property.
What kinds of events does Uptown Dallas Inc. host?
Its programming includes Movies in the Park, Pilates and yoga classes in the park, Let’s Talk Uptown, Hero Fest, the Annual Block Party, and the Merry Night Market.
What does Uptown Dallas Inc. support in transportation?
It supports the McKinney Avenue Transit Authority public transportation system, including expansion, maintenance, and equipment support.
What is Griggs Park's role in Uptown?
Griggs Park is an 8-acre park with renovated amenities, playgrounds, a basketball court, walking paths, lighting, and a historical memorial. It also hosts community programming such as Movies in the Park.
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