The Downtown Cleveland Special Improvement District.
Investing in our city’s future.
The Downtown Cleveland Improvement Corporation was formed by a coalition of downtown property owners to create a Special Improvement District, or SID. Enabled by State of Ohio legislation in 1994, SIDs are mechanisms that permit stakeholders in an area to provide funding for its development.
SIDs are in use to support revitalization efforts in downtowns such as Columbus and Cincinnati. They are also in place nationwide in over 1200 cities from Denver to Philadelphia.
Here’s how it works.
The members of the Downtown Cleveland Improvement Corporation are investing in the city’s future by agreeing to a self-governed assessment that finances enhanced services. SID-supported services do not replace existing City services, but augment them in ways that strengthen Downtown’s economic viability through incentives, programs and working with local government.
The work of DCIC is guided by more than 150 SID members. All property owners paying assessments are members, and a Board of Directors is appointed by the membership. The membership makes SID budget decisions, ensuring a high degree of accountability.
The Downtown Cleveland Alliance is the management arm of the Downtown Cleveland Improvement Corporation. Based on member input, guidance for use of SID funds is set. From the beginning, the Clean and Safe program for public security and maintenance has been a priority. The SID also supports other initiatives, creating a favorable climate to recruit, retain and grow healthy businesses. These initiatives include:
- Promoting Downtown as a regional destination and viable housing market
- Programming public spaces for special events, entertainment and other crowd-attracting activities
- Assisting property owners and brokers to recruit and retain retail and office tenants
- Cosmetic capital improvements like gateway, signage, banners, public art and streetscape designs
Take a look at our District. This map will give you a better picture of the boundaries of the Special Improvement District.