The District Management program is one of the most important aspects of Downtown Cincinnati and 3CDC's operation. District management for both the Central Business District and Over-the-Rhine utilize an aggressive strategy to assist in the overall revitalization of these neighborhoods through a group of Downtown Ambassadors. The Downtown Ambassadors, clad in green shirts with a big “i“ on the back, are a team of more than 30 men and women who patrol the streets on foot, remove litter and graffiti, and offer assistance to visitors seven days a week, 365 days a year. The Ambassadors help build a dynamic metropolitan center valued as the heart of the region. They are trained in public safety, enhanced cleanliness and customer service. Ambassadors work closely with Cincinnati Police Department, public services, Downtown Residents Council, and a variety of other downtown partners.
Downtown Cincinnati Improvement District
Over-the-Rhine South Improvement District
The Downtown Cincinnati Improvement District (DCID) and OTR South Special (OTR South SID) Improvement District are two very important districts managed by 3CDC.
The first DCID Services Plan was approved in 1997 and outlined the activities funded from 1998-2001. DCID has since been renewed six times, with the most recent Services Plan and Budget being approved for renewal in 2021. The OTR SID was approved and officially went into effect on January 1, 2021.
A Special Improvement District (SID) is a physical area in which property owners elect to pay an additional assessment in order to fund public improvements and services that benefit the district.
The Downtown Cincinnati Improvement District (DCID) is a Special Improvement District 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).
The first DCID Services Plan was approved in 1997 and outlined the activities funded from 1998-2001. DCID has since been renewed six times, with the most recent Services Plan and Budget being approved for renewal in 2021. DCID provides funds used to carry out a Services Plan, which is executed by a contractor selected to provide the services.
- Maintaining and enhancing a clean, safe, and welcoming environment Downtown, including the Downtown Ambassador program
- Maintaining and enhancing the image, awareness and usage of Downtown as a vibrant hub of activity through strategic marketing and communications, and the production of free Downtown events to drive traffic and increase vibrancy
- Advocate for and support business and residential growth downtown through stakeholder services programs and serving as the primary source of downtown data collection and distribution to stakeholders
In 2017, a working committee of neighborhood stakeholders began revisiting previous potential for SID creation; created a steering committee to assess viability and leveraged 20 years of experience from the downtown SID (Downtown Cincinnati Improvement District). After the OTR South SID was officially approved and established in October 2020, the property owners held their first meeting to elect the new Board of Trustees for the new SID on December 21, 2020.
The OTR South SID Board of Trustees provide oversight and guidance for how funding is allocated to services provided within the SID and detailed in the Services Plan. The OTR South SID ensures several key enhancements to the neighborhood:
- Maintaining and enhancing clean and safe services throughout the entire SID, not just main thoroughfares and high-traffic areas
- A community-driven effort, led by a Board of Trustees elected by the property owners within the SID
- A sustainable funding source for beautification efforts, streetscape improvements and other projects as directed by the SID Board of Trustees