Columbus Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District
Downtown Columbus, OH
Established in 2001 through a successful petition by downtown stakeholders, the Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District (SID) served as the unified voice of downtown Columbus property owners. By self-assessing to fund enhanced public services, members worked with Capital Crossroads staff to ensure downtown remained clean, safe, and vibrant for everyone who lived, worked, and visited the area.
In its 24 years, Capital Crossroads expanded from 25 to 40 square blocks and delivered award-winning programs that enhanced daily life downtown. Signature achievements include the creation of a nationally recognized transit pass program, innovative placemaking initiatives such as permanent public restrooms and the popular bi-weekly Pearl Market, and a strong network of safety, cleaning, landscaping, and outreach services.
Through active partnerships with the City of Columbus and local organizations, Capital Crossroads maintained right-of-way improvements, managed the downtown way-finding system, and led collaborative problem-solving efforts that strengthened the community. Together, these initiatives reflected the SID’s ongoing commitment to keeping downtown Columbus thriving, accessible, and welcoming for all.
2001 - 2025
Project completed by current Neighborhood Strategies staff during their leadership of the SID Public Services Association.
SERVICES
Community Engagement
Community Activation Programming & Events
Public-Private Partnerships
Fundraising & Grant Writing
Community Outreach & Education
Supplemental Safety & Cleaning Services
Homeless Outreach Services
Placemaking
Transit Pass Programming
Right-of-Way Project Maintenance
Landscaping
KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Developed 3-time award-winning safety program
Doubled public transportation use through the development of Downtown C-pass, an award-winning transit program
Distributed $2 million in COVID grants to secure survival and prosperity of small businesses during the pandemic
Developed and maintained a comprehensive downtown way-finding system
Created the annual State of Downtown Economic Development Report
>>> Award-Winning Safety Program Facilitates Collaboration Between Private & Public Partners
In response to the community’s desire for a safer downtown, a comprehensive safety program was developed and implemented for Capital Crossroads. The initiative established a team of uniformed professionals dedicated to maintaining a safe and welcoming downtown environment, offering services such as safety escorts, directions, vehicle jump-starts, and flat tire assistance. These safety ambassadors patrolled downtown by bike alongside special duty police officers, and were supported by the Special Improvement District’s award-winning security network, which tracked downtown activity in real time and enabled rapid response to emerging situations.
In recognition of this innovative downtown safety program, Capital Crossroads was awarded:
ASIS Matthew Simeone Award for Public Private Excellence
National Homeland Security Conference Award for Outstanding Public/Private Partnership
Ohio Crime Prevention Association Award for Outstanding Community Policing Strategy
>>> Homeless Outreach Forms Pathways to Support & Stability
Capital Crossroads established a dedicated outreach team to connect individuals experiencing homelessness within the district to essential services and pathways toward stability. Each year, the team contributed thousands of hours of outreach, helping hundreds of clients secure emergency shelter and permanent housing, access transportation support, obtain physical and mental health services, and connect with critical resources such as employment assistance, veterans’ benefits, and vital identification documents.
Through these efforts, the outreach team not only addressed immediate needs but also fostered long-term stability, independence, and well-being. Their work strengthened the community by reducing barriers, connecting vulnerable populations to resources, and improving safety and quality of life throughout the district.
>>> Landscaping & Plantings Beautify the Downtown Area
To enhance the downtown environment, Capital Crossroads launched a beautification initiative that introduced landscaping along Nationwide Boulevard and Gay Street, added planters around Capitol Square, and installed hanging baskets along High Street. The team also provided ongoing care including tree trimming, weed management, and maintenance of planters and baskets to ensure the district remained beautiful and welcoming year-round.
>>> Cleaning Program Creates a Cleaner, More Inviting Downtown
Confronted with persistent litter, graffiti, and dirty sidewalks, Capital Crossroads implemented a comprehensive cleaning program to ensure a clean, welcoming environment for downtown businesses, residents, and visitors. The initiative included litter and debris removal, snow and leaf clearing from sidewalks and ramps, installation of dog waste stations, and complimentary graffiti removal for property owners within the Capital Crossroads boundary. These efforts dramatically improved the district’s appearance and walkability, creating cleaner sidewalks, reducing graffiti incidents, and reinforcing downtown’s reputation as a vibrant, well-maintained destination.
>>> Community Events Activate Urban Spaces
Responding to a desire for stronger community connections and the need to activate underutilized urban spaces, Capital Crossroads, together with the Discovery Special Improvement District, launched a series of dynamic community events in downtown Columbus. Designed to offer something for everyone, the program featured movie nights under the stars, outdoor yoga, live music, Pearl Market, and more. These initiatives transformed downtown into a vibrant gathering place, fostering connection, activity, and a stronger sense of community for all who live, work, and play in the heart of the city.
>>> Downtown C-Pass Offers Innovative Transportation Solutions
To help solve downtown Columbus’ parking shortage, the Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District, in partnership with Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC), and the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA), formed the Downtown C-Pass. This innovative transportation solution provides eligible employees and residents with unlimited access to the entire COTA bus system.
This groundbreaking transit program received the International Downtown Association (IDA) Pinnacle Award and Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission’s Community Collaboration Achievement Award.
