Village Profile® Home Page | About our Company | Sales Opportunities | Community eStore | vpmobile.us®

Economic Development

Finding the perfect location to grow a business is a critical decision for a company. Oak Cliff is the ideal setting for businesses because of its close proximity to downtown Dallas and the Trinity River Corridor Project (a $2 billion public-private project); easy access to four interstates (I-30, I-35, I-45 and I-20); a multitude of mixed-income, tree-lined neighborhoods; and walkable shopping and entertainment districts. Since 2005, the “Cliff” has had one of the highest annual rates of new business openings and new commercial construction in the city of Dallas.

What is it about Oak Cliff that entrepreneurs, manufacturers/distributors, and residential and retail developers find so appealing?

Abundant Workforce, Competitive Real Estate Market, Plentiful Transportation Infrastructure, Proximity to Downtown Dallas and Wonderful Quality of Life!

Laying the Foundation for Economic Progress

Oak Cliff, an area within the city of Dallas, is bounded by Fort Worth Avenue/West Commerce to the northwest and Interstate 30 to the northeast of the Central Business District, the city limit to the west, Interstate 45 to the east and the city limit to the south. For decades this area had missed out on much of the region’s economic boom. In the early 1990s concerned Cliff dwellers demanded City attention to provide for improved City services and the attraction of new business development. The City responded.

City of Dallas economic development staff created a framework of public policies to attract investment and provide for needed public infrastructure. Financial incentives and special taxing districts along with land use planning around the new Dallas Area Rapid Transit stations kicked off a new direction for Oak Cliff. And that was just the beginning. The 1998 bond program provided for the first phase of public financing to build a Trinity River Park with signature bridges designed by international renowned architect Santiago Calatrava connecting Oak Cliff with the Central Business District in such a dramatic way that the “Cliff” would be firmly positioned as the premiere site for lasting economic progress.

As the Oak Cliff Chamber of Commerce work continues, businesses seeking investment opportunities or people seeking a place to call home are assured of their sound investment decision by the active participation of new stronger homeowner associations and community development organizations such as the Fort Worth Avenue Development group, Oak Cliff Transit Authority as well as the on-going efforts by the Dallas Urban League. This level of Oak Cliff business and resident involvement thoughtfully protecting and planning for the continued development of an urban oasis in the midst of a transforming economy has resulted in a stable and exciting location for small- business owners, corporate decision-makers, and new homeowners.

New Public/Private Partnerships for Major Corridor Redevelopment

Major corridors throughout the Oak Cliff area are experiencing a resurgence of business activity because of significant increases in homeownership and multi-family residential development. These areas are supported by aggressive public-private partnerships. Financial assistance through the creation of Tax Increment Financing Districts are attracting new commercial development, expanding retail services, and transit-oriented development. Major corridors include Fort Worth Avenue/West Commerce, Davis Street, Hampton Road, Jefferson Boulevard and Lancaster Road.

Business park development is attracting new manufacturing facilities and distribution centers. Large expansive parks located throughout the Oak Cliff area offer over 2,000 acres of developable property at competitive rates. Companies selecting sites in these parks or other Oak Cliff locations may be eligible for tax incentives, development fee rebates or economic development grants. Business parks include Pinnacle Park, Mountain Creek, Executive Airport—a general aviation airport, Stoneridge and Southport/Inland Port.

Oak Cliff Corporate Relocations and Expansions Since 2002

Since 2002, public-private partnerships have resulted in attracting an estimated $700 million of new private investment and creating over 6,300 new jobs from companies such as Nestle, AT&T and Vought Aircraft Industries.

Our Entrepreneurial Spirit Creates Small-Business Success

In addition to the larger corporate interest, entrepreneurs seeking a place to pursue their dream are starting up their small businesses in Oak Cliff. Whether it’s a coffee, cookie or candle company, affordable rates in historic neighborhood storefronts such as Bishop Arts District are turning the heads of people throughout the North Texas region. And throughout the Oak Cliff area, new restaurants offering residents and visitors a wide range of menus keep the locally owned kitchens bustling with business.

In Oak Cliff we enjoy an ethnically diverse customer base. From Latino bakeries and novelty shops to African- American art galleries and book shops, Oak Cliff is home to many different types of businesses. Our rich cultural heritage strengthens the economic outlook for the area by nurturing a spirit of community among people of different backgrounds and history.

Through this spirit of cooperation between the neighborhoods, businesses, and the City, Oak Cliff is perfectly positioned to offer business an ideal location for long-term profitability. Let us show you all the possibilities and opportunities in Oak Cliff for your business investment.