Our Story
What began as grassroots advocacy has evolved into a trusted civic partner shaping how Dallas approaches its nighttime economy.
Who We Are
24HourDallas is a nonprofit organization working to strengthen Dallas after dark by advancing public safety, economic vitality, and cultural inclusion in the city's nighttime economy.
We serve as a trusted connector between nightlife and hospitality businesses, city leadership, and community stakeholders—helping Dallas become a safer, more vibrant, and more inclusive city at night.
Why We Exist
Dallas is a global city with a growing nightlife and hospitality sector, but for too long, the nighttime economy has been addressed through fragmented policy, reactive enforcement, and limited coordination across stakeholders. 24HourDallas was created to change that.
We believe that when nightlife operators, residents, workers, and city agencies collaborate around shared standards and goals, cities can support nightlife that is:
Safer for patrons and workers
More responsible and professional
More economically sustainable
More connected to surrounding neighborhoods
Our work centers on building systems, not just solving individual problems.
What We Do
24HourDallas advances responsible nightlife through four core areas of work.
Standards & Certification
We operate the Copper Star Certification Program, a citywide standard recognizing nightlife and hospitality venues that demonstrate excellence in safety, operations, and community responsibility.
Education & Training
We deliver industry education focused on de-escalation, active bystander intervention, human trafficking prevention, accessibility, and responsible operations.
Advocacy & Policy Engagement
We engage directly with city leadership and public agencies to help shape smart, balanced nightlife policy that supports both public safety and economic vitality.
Community & District Engagement
We work across entertainment districts to strengthen relationships between venues, workers, residents, and local organizations.
Our Evolution
Rather than remaining a single-purpose advocacy group, 24HourDallas has intentionally grown into a durable, policy-aligned organization.
Convening & Trust-Building
Bringing together nightlife operators, hospitality leaders, cultural organizations, and safety advocates around a shared vision.
Programs & Standards
Launching Copper Star Certification and formal education programs to support responsible operations.
Policy & Partnership
Becoming a trusted partner to the City of Dallas and contributing to citywide conversations around nightlife, safety, and regulation.
Scaling Forward
Building the infrastructure, staffing, and partnerships needed to responsibly scale impact in 2026 and beyond.
Our Role in Dallas
24HourDallas operates at the intersection of industry, government, and community. We do not replace city enforcement, neighborhood voices, or individual responsibility. Instead, we:
- Translate policy into practical standards for operators
- Help city leaders engage the nightlife economy proactively
- Elevate best practices that reward responsibility rather than punish compliance
Our approach is collaborative, data-informed, and grounded in the belief that nightlife is a civic asset when supported thoughtfully.
Industry • Government • Community
The Future of Dallas' Nighttime Economy
As Dallas continues to grow, its nighttime economy will play an increasingly important role in culture, tourism, employment, and public life. 24HourDallas is preparing for the next phase of work—expanding capacity, deepening partnerships, and supporting citywide implementation of responsible nightlife frameworks.
"A Dallas where the night is safe, inclusive, and thriving—for everyone."
Join Us in Shaping Dallas After Dark
Whether you're a venue operator, community partner, policymaker, or supporter, there's a role for you in shaping Dallas after dark.