A new video by local political commentator Dallas En Fuego is stirring conversation around two key pieces of legislation designed to strengthen and better fund Public Improvement Districts (PIDs) in Texas’ major cities, including downtown Dallas.

The video, posted on Dallas En Fuego’s X account, calls attention to the challenges faced by downtown Dallas under the tenure of Jennifer Scripps, who became the CEO of Dallas’ Downtown PID and president of Downtown Dallas Inc. (DDI) in April 2022.

The video references DDI’s good work but suggests that during Scripps’ tenure, she has not produced the results polls indicate Dallas residents want.

The video frames Scripps’ resistance to the bills—HB 4078 and SB 2594—as out of step with the goal of revitalizing downtown.

The legislation would increase funding for PIDs through new county and state contributions and introduce additional transparency measures in how PID boards are selected and operate.

The Dallas Express previously reported on the legislation, noting that these reforms are designed to empower downtown management organizations—like DDI—to more effectively tackle public safety, homelessness, and beautification by nearly tripling available funding.

Contrary to some public claims, the bills do not dismantle existing organizations like DDI. The text of SB 2594 and HB 4078 explicitly allows cities to continue contracting with nonprofit management corporations like DDI, ensuring their central role in district operations.

The legislation simply ensures more transparency in the governance process. For example, it requires that two members of the PID’s board of directors be elected by the ten largest property owners—a meaningful step toward fairer representation.

Even DDI’s own internal research highlights the need for help: According to their 2022 Downtown Perception Survey, 76% of respondents said homelessness is a significant issue downtown. That’s a clear sign that the public wants—and needs—stronger tools to address the crisis.

In the video, Dallas En Fuego emphasizes that downtown Dallas has faced rising crime, cleanliness concerns, and business flight—issues the new legislation seeks to address with expanded resources and clearer accountability.

Supporters of the legislation argue that Scripps’ opposition undermines an opportunity to improve the city’s core dramatically.

With private property owners, nonprofit partners like DDI, and now county and state stakeholders potentially working together under a clearer, more transparent system, HB 4078 and SB 2594 aim to deliver a stronger future for downtown Dallas.

As debate around the bills continues, Dallas En Fuego’s message is clear: it’s time to empower downtown, not protect the status quo.