Downtown Cleveland Improvement District Wins Seven-Year Renewal With Strong Support from Mayor Bibb, County Executive Ronayne, and Downtown Property Owners
Multi-million-dollar reauthorization secures Clean & Safe program and downtown revitalization efforts through 2032
Downtown Cleveland, Inc. today announced Cleveland City Council’s approval of the reauthorization of the Downtown Cleveland Improvement District, guaranteeing more than $43 million in dedicated funding through 2032. The renewal ensures continuation of Downtown Cleveland, Inc.’s Clean & Safe program, a cornerstone initiative that enhances the daily experience for workers, residents and visitors.
For the first time in its 20-year history, both the City of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County have opted into the district as funding partners, joining private property owners in a unified commitment to strengthen the core through aligned priorities and shared resources.
"Cleveland is at its best when our downtown is thriving, and this reauthorization of the improvement district will only accelerate that progress,” said Mayor Justin M. Bibb. "The City is proud to partner with Downtown Cleveland, Inc. to deliver real results. We are committed to building a downtown that’s more welcoming, more vibrant and a place where people and businesses want to invest their time and money.”
"A strong downtown drives growth throughout Cuyahoga County. That's why Cuyahoga County is proud to support the reauthorization of the Downtown Improvement District, which has been vital to keeping downtown clean, safe and welcoming for residents, workers, and visitors,” noted Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne. “We're proud to partner with Downtown Cleveland, Inc. on this initiative. Together, we're helping ensure downtown remains a hub of opportunity, innovation and vitality for the entire region.”
“I want to thank the property owners in the district for their continued support and the City of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County for their leadership,” said Michael Deemer, President & CEO of Downtown Cleveland, Inc. “This funding and collaboration will enhance safety, help us drive growth and build a more resilient, dynamic downtown Cleveland.”
Cleveland City Council and Cuyahoga County Council played a vital role in the reauthorization process. By examining the proposal with care and asking detailed questions, council members helped the community understand how the district operates and how public and private dollars work together. Their diligence ensured a clear path forward and gave residents and stakeholders confidence in the district’s continued impact through the Clean & Safe program.
Over the past three years, Downtown Cleveland Improvement Corporation (DCIC), Downtown Cleveland, Inc.’s property owner engagement arm, has strengthened the program by:
Upgrading Ambassadors’ training to emphasize conflict de-escalation
Launching a Court Watch program to ensure effective communication between the courts, prosecutors and victims
Investing in technology and equipment to deliver more efficient safety, cleaning, and beautification services
Looking ahead, work for the next seven years will focus on delivering high quality place management services by:
Enhancing safety through a continued visible, uniformed presence of Downtown Ambassadors
Leveraging smart camera technology to further enhance safety
Expanding the Public Realm Quality Assurance program
Providing concierge-level public safety, economic development and community event services
Downtown Cleveland, Inc. manages the district on behalf of DCIC, through which property owners fund enhanced safety, beautification and public realm services. Downtown Cleveland, Inc. leverages this significant investment to build corporate partnerships and raise additional funding to spur economic growth through placemaking, events and experiences.