Keeping Cincinnati Clean and Safe

District Management Program

The District Management Program is one of the most important aspects of 3CDC's operation. As a non-profit real estate developer, 3CDC breathes new life into historic buildings and vacant lots in both the Central Business District (CBD) and Over-the-Rhine (OTR). The organization's district management efforts are focused on ensuring those investments are supported by creating a clean, safe and welcoming environment. 3CDC utilizes a proactive approach to achieve these goals that includes enhancing the appearance of streets, sidewalks and other public spaces; improving safety and the perception of safety in Downtown Cincinnati and OTR; encouraging pride in location and space; and promoting the district through community engagement, stakeholder relations, and marketing efforts.

The multifaceted operations team works in a variety of areas to conduct its work:

CLEAN AND SAFE OPERATIONS

In its efforts to manage the public realm, 3CDC employs a Downtown Ambassador team of more than 85 individuals who patrol the streets of the urban core on foot, completing a variety of tasks while offering assistance to community members and visitors seven days a week, 365 days a year. The Downtown Cincinnati Improvement District (DCID) and OTR South Special Improvement District (OTR South SID) are the Special Improvement Districts (SIDs) managed by 3CDC and overseen by its Downtown Ambassadors.

During their shifts, Ambassadors:

Help Cincinnati Police reduce crime and aggressive panhandling by increasing visibility
Remove litter and weeds and power wash graffiti
Install planters on sidewalks and collaborate with local organizations on beautification projects
Look out for disorderly conduct
Connect people in need with social service agencies via coordinated social service outreach
Provide maps, guides and helpful directions to visitors

HOMELESS OUTREACH

3CDC's District Management program also provides outreach services to our neighbors in need who may be homeless or panhandling through our GeneroCity 513 program. The program utilizes a multi-faceted approach to offer a positive alternative to panhandling, help connect panhandlers to social service agencies, and provide strategic case management to the most visible homeless persons in downtown Cincinnati.

The initiative’s programs include a Jobs Van, Outreach Workers and Donation Stations and play a crucial role in connecting our neighbors in need with:

Shelter
Employment
Mental health services
Substance abuse/addiction services

BEAUTIFICATION EFFORTS

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

Facilitating partnerships among business and property owners to enhance and optimize storefronts, lighting and maintenance
Developing a comprehensive program for flowerpots, flower baskets, and tree replacements
Delivering Ambassador services to maintain and enhance the appearance of the public realm via detailed cleaning services and specialty projects
Providing intensive targeting of specific areas with high traffic or public safety concerns
Partnering with City of Cincinnati and Hamilton County to coordinate and leverage sanitation/cleaning services provided by the City
Providing Ambassador Services 24/7 via a third-shift program, as necessary

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

To remain engaged with local businesses and residents while increasing the vibrancy of Downtown Cincinnati, the following services are provided as part of 3CDC's District Management program in the areas of Marketing, Retail, Development and Stakeholder Services:

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 downtown businesses to aid with retail development downtown
Generation of positive, accurate media coverage about downtown through strategic media relations
Website and database maintenance
Promotion of downtown events and businesses through social media, email marketing and other strategic communications

What is a Special Improvement District?

A Special Improvement District (SID) is a structured method of raising funds in a geographical area in order to manage and deliver critical services above the level of services provided by local government. It allows neighbors and property owners to create a sustainable funding source for maintaining safety and cleanliness of a given neighborhood. The property owners within a designated Improvement District decide what kind and what level of management services they need, and exert direct control over the delivery of those services through the adoption of a Services Plan and Budget.

The Downtown Cincinnati Improvement District (DCID) 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). It was formed in 1998, and has since been renewed six times. The most recent Services Plan and Budget were approved for renewal in 2021.

The OTR South Special Improvement District includes all property within the boundaries of Broadway and a portion of Spring Street on the east, Liberty Street on the north, Central Parkway on the west, and Central Parkway on the south. It was officially approved in 2020. Its Board of Trustees provides oversight and guidance for how funding is allocated to services provided within the SID and detailed in the Service Plan.

Ambassador Hotline

If you have questions or need one of the services outlined above, call, text, or email:

(513) 623-3429

ambassadors@3cdc.org

Outreach Hotline

If you see someone in need on the streets and would like to help, call, text, or email:

(513) 498-6192

outreach@generocity513.org

Contact the Cincinnati Police Department's non-emergency line at (513) 765-1212 if you see aggressive panhandling or feel threatened. Call 911 in case of emergency.