Denton celebrates success of Halloween month with community and economic boost

The Denton City Council convened on February 18, 2025, to discuss various community initiatives and programs, focusing on the success of the recent Halloween Denton 2024 event and the Downtown Denton Ambassador pilot program.

The meeting began with a procedural note regarding a separate vote, followed by a work session report on the Halloween event. Gary Pack, the Director of Parks and Recreation, presented a comprehensive overview of the month-long celebration, which featured over 200 events and attracted approximately 662,000 visitors to downtown Denton. The event generated an estimated $210,000 in sales tax revenue, marking a significant increase from the previous year. Pack emphasized the collaborative efforts of local businesses, artists, and volunteers, highlighting the community's engagement and the positive economic impact of the festivities.

Key highlights from the Halloween event included the involvement of local artists, themed decorations, and partnerships with local businesses, such as Denton County Brewing, which released special craft beers for the occasion. The event not only celebrated Halloween but also aimed to enhance Denton's cultural identity and community spirit. Pack noted that the city plans to build on this success for future events, with goals to improve visitor experiences and expand community engagement.

Following the Halloween discussion, the council reviewed the Downtown Denton Ambassador program, which aims to enhance the cleanliness, safety, and vibrancy of the downtown area. Courtney Duangdara from Community Services reported that the ambassadors had removed over 26,000 pounds of trash and provided over 87,000 greetings to visitors in their first year. The program has received positive feedback from local businesses, with many noting an increase in satisfaction regarding downtown cleanliness and safety.

The council discussed the need for sustainable funding for the ambassador program, which currently operates on a pilot basis with an annual cost of approximately $703,000. Conversations with downtown property owners about establishing a public improvement district to support the program are ongoing.

Public comments included concerns about homelessness and the urgency of addressing community needs. Tracy Duckworth, a local advocate, expressed frustration over the perceived lack of attention to the homeless population, urging the council to prioritize immediate solutions.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue evaluating the success of both the Halloween event and the ambassador program, with plans for future enhancements and community involvement. The council will reconvene for a regularly scheduled meeting later in the evening.