Clean & Safe

Program Initiatives

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Keeping Downtown Cincinnati
clean and safe for everyone.

Our dedicated team of Ambassadors fosters a clean, safe, and welcoming environment in the Central Business District (CBD) and Over-the-Rhine (OTR). Through their daily presence, they engage with the community and help make downtown vibrant and accessible for everyone.

CLEAN & SAFE

What is the Clean & Safe Program?

Through daily Ambassador patrols, outreach services for individuals in need, and ongoing community engagement, the Clean & Safe Program works to enhance the appearance of public spaces, improve both real and perceived safety, and support a positive experience throughout downtown.

Clean

Overview Summary:

Our Downtown Ambassadors help keep sidewalks, alleys, and public spaces clean and inviting throughout the urban core. Their work enhances the overall appearance of Downtown Cincinnati and Over-the-Rhine (OTR), creating a welcoming environment for residents, visitors, and businesses.

Responsibility Overview:

Cleaning sidewalks and alleys of litter and debris
Removing graffiti and stickers
Pressure washing
Performing seasonal removal of weeds, leaves, and snow
Coordinating additional cleaning services with the City of Cincinnati and Hamilton County

Safe

Overview Summary:

Ambassadors patrol the streets of the urban core on foot, enhancing real and perceived safety in Downtown Cincinnati and Over-the-Rhine (OTR) by:

Responsibility Overview:

Providing safety escorts on foot to Downtown destinations
Helping Cincinnati Police reduce crime and aggressive panhandling by increasing visibility
Focus patrol efforts in areas with higher pedestrian activity or increased safety concerns
Sharing maps, guides, and helpful directions to visitors

Social Services Outreach

Overview Summary:

We also support individuals experiencing homelessness, addiction, or mental illness through our GeneroCity 513 program. The program helps connect people to needed services, provides strategic case management, and creates pathways toward stability and meaningful support. Through both street outreach and case management, the GeneroCity 513 team plays a critical role in connecting individuals to:

Responsibility Overview:

Shelter and housing
Substance use disorder treatment
Mental health services
Food and income assistance

Beautification Efforts

Overview Summary:

3CDC is focused on making Cincinnati's urban core a vibrant, dynamic metropolitan center valued as the heart of the region. Our program provides ongoing beautification efforts to improve the aesthetics and appearance of downtown, such as:

Responsibility Overview:

Facilitation of partnerships among business and property owners to enhance and optimize storefronts, lighting, and maintenance
Management of a comprehensive program for flowerpots, plant beds, and other greenspace areas
Coordination with the City of Cincinnati on tree planting and maintenance
Installation of murals and utility box wraps
Organization of regular volunteer beautification events in partnership with area businesses and corporate groups

Community Engagement

Overview Summary:

To remain engaged with local businesses and residents while increasing the vibrancy of Downtown Cincinnati, we provide the following services:

Responsibility Overview:

Production and promotion of over 850 free events annually, resulting in positive activity for businesses, residents, and visitors
Ongoing engagement and regular communication with key stakeholders and partners to maintain and promote downtown as a hub of activity
Support for current and potential businesses to aid with retail development downtown
Promotion of downtown events and businesses through website updates, social media, email marketing, positive media coverage, and other strategic communications

DOWNTOWN AMBASSADORS

Meet your Downtown Ambassadors

More than 80 Ambassadors work throughout downtown Cincinnati, focused on safety awareness, enhanced cleanliness, and customer service. Acting as the eyes and ears of the Downtown Cincinnati Improvement District, they patrol the streets seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., cleaning sidewalks and alleys, providing maps and friendly assistance to visitors, and supporting the Central Business Section of the Cincinnati Police Department.

Just want to give a shout out to Chris and Mike, who were shoveling snow yesterday at 5 PM at the corner of Sixth and Sycamore. Even though it was extremely cold and they were doing backbreaking work, they were both so friendly and just a delight to briefly chat with.”

Every morning, I take my dog on a walk through downtown and every morning I get to see the wonderful 3CDC crew keeping the city running and beautiful. They are all so friendly, hard working, and dedicated to the community. I am so grateful to have wonderfully maintained parks, streets, and sidewalks. And they go above and beyond. They care about connecting with the people of this city. And that makes a huge difference in people's lives.”

Many, many thanks to the Ambassadors for all they do for us as downtown residents! We could not have anywhere close to the comfort level we currently have without the Ambassadors. Just today, a crew came out and cleaned a trash-filled, privately-owned parking lot on Race between Race and Court. I have been reaching out to lot owners to no available. In addition to doing a wide variety of things to keep our neighborhood safe and clean, crew members are always personable and cooperative."

Scott and Atom are amazing! They helped me out on Saturday morning when I dropped my phone in the sewer grate. I stopped Atom when I saw him working on the street, and he immediately helped me get what we needed to pull up the grate and retrieve the phone. Atom was my hero! When Scott reached in to pull my phone out, I was so grateful for his help. 3CDC is the best!"

I have to tell you about one of your employees, Deangelo. I was having trouble finding out where I was supposed to be for a craft show. Deangelo called and texted several people and stayed with me until he got an answer. I don't know what I would have done without his help. Thank you, Deangelo and 3CDC!”

CLEAN & SAFE

Special Improvement Districts (SID)

A Special Improvement District (SID) is a structured way for property owners in a defined area to raise funds for services above what local government provides. It creates a sustainable funding source to maintain safety and cleanliness. Property owners decide the type and level of services through an adopted Services Plan and Budget.

Map showing the OTR South SID and DCID downtown improvement district boundaries in Cincinnati

Downtown Cincinnati Improvement District (DCID)

The Downtown Cincinnati Improvement District (DCID) is a Special Improvement District (SID) that includes all property within the boundaries of Eggleston Avenue on the east, Central Parkway on the north, Central Avenue on the west (including the Centennial buildings), and the river on the south (excluding the two stadiums).

Learn More

OTR South Special Improvement District (SID)

To enhance and protect the quality of life for OTR South SID residents, business owners and visitors through sustainable clean and safe services brought about by the volunteer board’s commitment to ensuring the delivery of the Services Plan that was voted on, and approved by, our fellow neighborhood stakeholders.

Learn More

Interested in volunteering?

If you’re interested in giving back and making a positive impact downtown, we’d love to hear from you. Volunteer opportunities support our efforts to keep downtown Cincinnati welcoming, vibrant, and connected.

Clean & Safe

Program Initiatives

Keeping Downtown Cincinnati
clean and safe for everyone.

What is the Clean & Safe Program?