Downtown Eugene, Inc. (DEI) is a not-for-profit association of downtown property and business owners. Formed in 1988, DEI's primary interest is in the long-term economic health of the downtown core. DEI pursues this interest by advocating for public policy changes (such as the reopening of the downtown mall and downtown development incentives), supporting community policing public safety programs (including the Downtown Guides security patrol) and building partnerships with other organizations that are concerned with downtown vitality.