Downtown Community Improvement District holds it’s 21st Annual Meeting

By Sean O’Byrne, Vice President, Downtown Council; Executive Director, Community Improvement Districts

On April 9, 2024, The Downtown Community Improvement District (DCID) held its 21st Annual Meeting reviewing the accomplishments of the current year and laying out the goals for the upcoming fiscal year.

The Ambassadors (also known as “bumble bees”) walk the district, as well as RideKC and KC Streetcar stops, the Central Library, public spaces – including Oppenstein Park, and Ilus Davis Park – The Barking Lot Off Leash Dog Park, streets, parking lots, and events, while meeting and welcoming business owners, employees, residents, and visitors of all ages.
DCID Safety Ambassadors are dedicated to ensuring a friendly environment and serve as a first point of contact for emergency needs, maintain order, and act as the eyes and ears for emergency services. 

Statistical Highlights:

Safety Services Calendar Year 2023 

  • 2,146 Parking Lot Patrol
  • 6,729 Public Nuisance
  • 5,171 Merchant Check
  • 74 Human Services
  • 136 First Responder

The DCID is equally committed to cleaning and maintaining the Central Business District every day. DCID Maintenance Ambassadors are dedicated to keeping streets and public spaces clean, friendly, and welcoming. 

DCID Maintenance Ambassadors sweep sidewalks daily; pick up trash of all shapes and sizes; maintain a zero-tolerance policy on graffiti in the public right of way, including stickers and illegal posters; maintain a close watch over the RideKC bus and KC Streetcar stops; and report deteriorating and broken infrastructure to the City’s 311 Action Center, thus striving for consistent service to district stakeholders.

Statistical Highlights: Maintenance

Services Calendar Year 2023

  • 12,698 Trash Bags Collected
  • 1,453 Graffiti Tags Removed

Also, lauded this year were the multiple contracts that the Ambassadors manage such as, KC Streetcar, The Central Library, Oppenstein Park Management, and RideKC  MoDot Contracts. 

Additionally, the Board congratulated Mr. Frank Jackson, winner of this year’s Harvey Fried Award. This award is given out to an outstanding Ambassador that exhibits leadership, esprit de corps, compassion and above all else kindness. 

As Executive Director of the Downtown CID, I am extremely proud of the Ambassadors for their tireless dedication to the mission of the DCID.  As downtown becomes more and more vibrant, it becomes more and more important to make sure downtown is clean, friendly, and full of positive activity.  These men and women work for you: the property owners, business owners, residents, and visitors.  We look forward to serving you and Downtown KC for many more years to come.

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