DALLAS, TEXAS — South Dallas is taking a major step toward community-driven reinvestment with the launch of the Sunny South Dallas Public Improvement District (PID)—a resident-led initiative aimed at strengthening public safety, improving neighborhood infrastructure, and supporting long-term economic stability in one of Dallas’ most historic and culturally significant communities.

If established, the Sunny South Dallas PID would generate approximately $9 million over the next decade, with all funds kept within the district and directed by a community-guided service plan. The proposed investment would bolster lighting, cleanliness, beautification, business support, and overall neighborhood infrastructure.

The proposed PID boundaries stretch from Interstate 30 (north) to Pennsylvania Ave. and Fitzhugh Ave. (south), Washington Street (east) to Botham Jean Boulevard (west).

To ensure full transparency and resident participation, the PID Steering Committee will host a series of public information meetings across November and December.

Public Meeting Schedule

Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center

2922 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

  • Wednesday, November 19, 2025 — 6:00 PM – *event has passed*
  • Saturday, November 22, 2025 — 11:00 AM
  • Wednesday, December 3, 2025 — 6:00 PM (listed twice; verify official schedule)
  • Saturday, December 13, 2025 — 11:00 AM
  • Wednesday, December 17, 2025 — 6:00 PM

Village Bridge Community Center

2111 S. 2nd Ave., Dallas, TX 75210

  • Wednesday, December 10, 2025 — 6:00 PM

Each meeting will cover:

  • What a PID is and how it works
  • PID boundaries and assessment rates
  • Allocation of funds
  • Public safety and beautification priorities
  • Benefits for local property owners
  • How residents can shape the PID’s final plan

How the PID Would Invest in South Dallas

According to the draft petition plan, the proposed annual budget prioritizes services residents have repeatedly ranked as urgent:

  • Public Safety (42%)
    Security patrols, lighting improvements, safety initiatives
  • District Beautification (20%)
    Clean-up crews, litter removal, streetscape improvements
  • Business Retention & Recruitment (7%)
    Support for existing businesses and new investment
  • Capital Improvements (7%)
    Sidewalks, lighting, signage, and infrastructure upgrades
  • Marketing & Promotion (6%)
    Branding, events, and district storytelling
  • Administration & Auditing (14%)
  • Reserves (4%)

The investment plan aligns with the South Dallas/Fair Park Area Plan adopted by the City of Dallas and reflects years of community advocacy for safer streets, stronger commercial corridors, and visible, sustained reinvestment.

Importantly, residential property owners age 65 and older with a homestead exemption will not be assessed, protecting long-time residents and seniors.

Community-First Leadership

“This PID isn’t about pushing people out—it’s about bringing resources in,” said Scottie Smith, II, PID Steering Committee Chair. “For too long, South Dallas has waited on others to prioritize our safety, our streets, and our economic future. This PID puts that power directly back into the hands of the people who live here. We’re choosing reinvestment, not displacement.”

Smith added:
“Clean neighborhoods, safe streets, thriving businesses—these aren’t luxuries. They’re the basics every community deserves. The Sunny South Dallas PID creates a stable, long-term way to fund those improvements and keep South Dallas strong for generations.”

The effort is backed by residents, small business owners, faith leaders, and community advocates who want direct influence over how improvements are delivered.

A Growing Movement for Local Control

The Sunny South Dallas PID represents a broader movement toward economic empowerment and community-driven decision-making in South Dallas. It builds on long-standing efforts to reduce blight, strengthen commercial corridors, and prepare the neighborhood for future Fair Park–area investment.

The initiative is anchored in a community mantra repeated throughout PID meetings:

“We’re not waiting for change… we’re creating it, together.”

How Residents Can Get Involved

Residents and property owners can:

  • Attend any of the upcoming public information sessions
  • Learn more or sign up for updates at www.sunnysouthdallas.org
  • Contact the PID Steering Committee at hello@sunnysouthdallas.org
  • Volunteer with outreach, petition gathering, or neighborhood communications
  • Join a sub-committee focused on public safety, beautification, or business development

About the Sunny South Dallas Public Improvement District

The Sunny South Dallas Public Improvement District is a community-led effort designed to create a cleaner, safer, and more prosperous South Dallas through locally controlled funding. The PID seeks to strengthen public spaces, support local businesses, enhance public safety, and ensure equitable development that benefits the people of South Dallas. Learn more at www.sunnysouthdallas.org