Austin Dmo Inc
Public records raise at least one point you should look into before giving.
What it says it does
The Downtown Austin Alliance's mission is to creat, preserve, and enhance the vibe, vitality and value of downtown Austin for everyone.
- Income
- $16.5 million
- Spending
- $14.5 million
- Employees
- 24
- Volunteers
- 80
- Highest pay
- $465,363, ceo/president
Source: Form 990 for the year ending April 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Financial health
We do not score finances when yearly spending is very small or the return has too little detail. The ratios stop meaning much at that size.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending April 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Governance
This return does not answer enough of the governance questions to score.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending April 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (4)
- $7.6 million spent. Downtown Ambassadors were expanded from 60 to 91 FTE, including a new Safety Patrol and increased cleaning and maintenance staff. Downtown Ambassadors accomplished the following: 49,186 hospitality contacts; 179 safety escorts; 25.5 million square feet pressure washed; 156,470 pounds of trash removed; 7,652 graffiti removed and 5 beautification projects. DAA-funded APD overtime shifts in downtown resulted in 6,296 ordinance compliance requests (with a 99% compliance rate) and 519 welfare checks. Conducted 2,460 restroom cleanings and 2,415 restocking (toilet paper, hand sanitizer, menstrual products) efforts. Conducted 11 monthly safety forums with 60-80 attendees per forum to connect the downtown community with safety initiatives. Provided non-harmful bird and bird waste management within the PID to keep downtown sidewalks and public areas clean and welcoming and provided regular maintenance of the Congress Avenue and Red River District sidewalk planters. Provided funding for Brush Square security. Completed HEART (Homelessness Engagement Assistance Response Team) pilot program and dedicated funding to supplement expansion of the program by COA to a year-round program with a larger geographic area (DAA funded PID area). Provided annual contribution of $200K towards a $2M/10 year pledge to Mobile Loaves & Fishes Community First! Village, which currently houses over 360 formerly chronic homeless community members. 186 people experiencing homelessness were reunited or connected with family or other support base through our funding partnership with the Trinity Center family reunification program. Conducted 4 (quarterly) unsheltered homeless counts that showed a 7% increase in the fiscal year.
- $2.2 million spent. Research and Strategic Communication:The Downtown Austin Alliance's research team conducts primary research on downtown-related issues and also compiles and analyzes third-party research. Our website is a central repository for data on economic development, real estate, mobility trends and more. This information enables members of our team and the downtown community to make data-driven decisions as we work together to shape our future. We published our 2024 State of Downtown Report, which uses market data to give a comprehensive account of downtown's economic impact, health and vitality. The report also celebrates critical milestones as downtown achieves its vision.Completed State of Downtown annual research report. Completed quarterly market research reports and emerging projects reports. Maintained a variety of data sets ranging from place activation metrics to property database. Completed 4 Issues & Eggs Events: Inclusive Prosperity event (September); Meet Chief Davis (November); I-35 Vision to Reality (February) and Six Street's Next Act (March) Distributed 60+ newsletters to 11,000+ subscribers. Marketing and communication efforts collectively resulted in 62K total social media followers, 746.6M media impressions and 137,000+ website visitors (includes PR contracts). Produced targeted marketing campaigns for Holiday Stroll, Art & Parks Tour, and other events and programs. Planned and hosted Annual Future of Downtown Event with release of State of Downtown, Annual Report, and Vision Awards.
- $1.0 million spent. Planing and Urban Mobility:Partnered with Red River Cultural District to launch a cultural storytelling effort; contracted with a consulting firm and conducted inventory and documentation. Completed inventory and engagement work for application for state cultural district designation in support of the 5th Street Mexican-American Heritage Corridor. Partnered with City of Austin to advance concepts and seek key stakeholder and property owner feedback for the Congress Ave Urban Design Initiative (CAUDI). Released RFQ for consulting services for Construction Mitigation planning; selected and contracted with consultant and began conducting work, engaging with 60+ stakeholders in interviews and/or focus groups. Participated in Project Connect NEPA process, including review and submission of DEIS comments. Engaged with parking operators and property owners to identify potential affordable parking supply. Reviewed & submitted comments on the Austin Core Transportation plan.
- $1.6 million spent. Parks and Public Space Activation:Completed successful Holiday Stroll and tree lighting event (December) with 6,467 attendees, 40 retail vendors, 13 food vendors, 24 youth vendors, and 7 nonprofit vendors. Provided regular horticulture, operations, programming and maintenance and security at Republic Square. Republic Square hosted over 90,000 people at events in 2024. Launched artist residency program and XOXO photography fellowships. Completed three artboxes. "Launched Downtown Austin Space Activation (DASA) program at 506 Congress with 500+ activations in FY 24-25 supporting artists, creatives and community organizations with affordable space. "
Source: Form 990 for the year ending April 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 30, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Caution.
The IRS master file records contributions to this 501(c)(4) social welfare organization as not deductible.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending April 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since May 1993.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 7, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.