UDO 2023 Strategic Plan

university district

organization

STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE

acknowledgements Board Members •

Christiana Moffa, University Community Business

•

Doreen Uhas Sauer, University Area Commission

•

Ellen Moore Griffin, Community Crime Patrol

•

John E. Sauer, University Community Association

•

Justin Garland, University District Special Improvement District

• • •

Matt Hansen, Campus Partners Susan Jennings, North Central Mental Health Services TJ Logan, Ohio State University Student Life

University District Organization Team •

Nora Gerber, Executive Director

•

Marcus Grimes, Operations Manager

•

Terry Jones, Stewards

•

Kae Denino, LSW UDO Social Worker

Neighborhood Design Center Team •

Juliana Silveira, Director of Planning & Urban Design

•

Drew DeMarsh, Planner

2 - University District Organization

background The University District Organization (UDO) is a non-profit planning and community improvement organization incorporated in 1971 to work toward the stabilization and revitalization of the University District. An “organization of organizations,” the UDO is governed by a board of trustees representing community groups, social service agencies, businesses, churches, local government, and institutions. It also works to coordinate interests and policies of the University Community Association, University Area Commission, and University Area Review Board to promote effective change in the district.

Primarily a planning organization, the UDO acts as a liaison between the City of Columbus, The Ohio State University, and University District neighborhoods to coordinate community improvement projects. It also seeks funding to implement projects that improve the livability of the district and engage residents in neighborhood participation. The UDO provides information and referral services to residents, potential residents, community organizations, and business owners.

The UDO also acts as a fiscal agent for several community groups.

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1961 The University Community Association was established, making it the oldest civic organization in the University District and in the City of Columbus.

Their role was to sponsor and advocate for projects like improved street lighting, developing pocket parks, and fostering community

1984 University Community Business Association founded to address the economic development concerns facing the University District and the business community, including: developers, property owners, small local retail shops and services.

1972 The City of Columbus created the University Area Commission. Twenty other Area Commissions would follow, but UAC was the first to be established.

1971

BeWell Survey Strategic Plan Update 4

University District Organization

In response to the boom of population after World War II and an increase in Ohio State’s campus population neighborhood residents and businesses, the University District Organization was created.

2015

1995

Special Improvement District created and approved by a board of property owners to levy special tax funds from property taxes for extra public service attention and safety

Along with the creation of Campus Partners as a real estate and development arm of the university, Ohio State committed to $28 million to University District revitalization.

2023 Presently, the University District Organization operates as a major civic organization within the district with updates to our Strategic Plan every five years.

1994 During the first term of President E. Gordon Gee, Ohio State University started to invest resources on how to serve the community of students living east of N. High street.

2022 The BeWell Survey identified major focus areas related to quality of life in the University District from about 500 residents.

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preface The 2023 Strategic Plan represents the next chapter in the ongoing evolution of the University District Organization, building upon the foundation laid out in the inaugural plan from 2013 and its subsequent update in 2017. This updated plan is a forwardlooking blueprint that guides the actions of the Board of Directors and the Executive Director in their continued pursuit to enhance the University District.

UDO’s refreshed mission is a call to action to lead, support, and advocate for existing and proposed programs, projects, and initiatives, harnessing existing and new partnerships.

Today, the University District Organization oversees the day-to-day operations of the University District Special Improvement District (UDSID), with a solidified status as the organization’s primary funding source. The UDSID is also an integral member of the UDO and UCBA Boards, contributing to a more unified and comprehensive approach to shaping the future of this vibrant community.

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University District Organization

Partners University Area Review Board

Community University District Businesses

University District Residents

Business Association Members

Committees

Funding

University Community Association

University Area Commission

SID Property Owners

Organization

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The University District

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University District Organization

The University District Organization creates, connects, and collaborates to promote economic growth and quality of life in our diverse neighborhoods.

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mission The University District Organization creates, connects, and collaborates.

Creates by positioning this organization as a visionary and planning organization for positive growth and change throughout the University District.

Connects by facilitating this organization becoming a catalyst for long-term, mutual cooperation within the University District, The Ohio State University, The City of Columbus, and the State of Ohio.

Collaborates by implementing, promoting, improving, and coordinating initiatives through city commissions, task forces, civic organizations, and student groups.

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University District Organization

plan themes This Strategic Plan is structured around five themes: Organizational Development, Livability, Neighborhood Planning, Business Development, Branding and Communication.

Organizational Development

Organizational Development focuses on continuing to improve UDO’s structure, culture, and effectiveness.

Livability

Livability focuses on aspects of quality of life aiming to create environments that are comfortable, sustainable, and conducive to overall well-being.

Neighborhood Planning

Neighborhood Planning focuses on community-based process that involves residents, local government, and stakeholders in shaping the University District.

Business Development focuses on supporting

Business Development

the University District business community to thrive.

Branding and Communication focuses on the image, identity, and messaging to create a strong and consistent brand presence.

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goal one Improve the organizational capacity of the University District Organization 1.1

Continue to build relationships with Campus Partners, University District stakeholders, and civic associations in order to work on collaborative solutions to problems identified by the community.

1.2

Educate civic associations and commission members about the mission and goals of UDO to foster partnerships.

1.3

Create special committees, on a needed basis, to advance UDO goals.

1.4

Work with the board to identify and define UCBA’s role and impact.

1.5

Increase organization’s funding.

Organizational Development 12

University District Organization

goal two Maintain the existing organizational tasks of the University District Organization 2.1

Issue annual reports to summarize yearly accomplishments.

2.2

Produce yearly project initiative summaries at the beginning of each year.

2.3

Provide continuous funding for an internship position and the addition of a full-time staff member so that the scope of projects and initiatives can be expanded.

2.4

Continue to seek partnerships with others to be able to exponentially increase productivity.

Programs, Projects, and Initiatives

Existing Internships + Community Volunteerism

Potential Hire New Full Time Position

Appointing members to UIDRB + UAC

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goal three Assist with solutions which are unique to the University District

3.1

Continue to develop programs and expand pilots that improve community livability and neighbor relations with the support of Campus Partners and other civic associations.

3.2

Highlight the elements that makes the University District a great neighborhood to encourage people of all demographics to enjoy the district.

3.3

Embrace diversity and bridge cultural gaps in the district in order to strengthen the sense of belonging and welcoming.

3.4

Create task forces with community leaders and city staff as necessary to address problems.

3.5

Continue to advocate for a holistic approach to safety and wellness.

3.6

Maintain the Public Service Committee for move-out/move-in planning and operations.

3.7

Work to create new or expand a SID area to address basic clean and safe issues.

Livability

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University District Organization

goal four Increase public art and place-making projects for the University District 4.1

Continue the planning and implementation effort of the 2018 Arts & Character Plan.

4.2

Work with institutional and organization partners to leverage existing resources in order to secure private and public funding options for further project implementation.

4.3

Establish annual events supporting arts in the district in order to create opportunities for neighbors to meet and engage in community arts.

Programs, Projects, and Initiatives

Existing

Potential

Can Fairy Curbside Recycling Program

Sidewalk Sales

Move Out Move In

Pearl Alley Jam Festival

Trash 2 Treasure

Diavolo Project

Northwood Arts Space Out of the Box Super Savers Club Outreach Initiative BeWell Survey

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goal five Act as a facilitator between city staff and elected officials to identify and solve neighborhood issues 5.1

Work with the Columbus Planning Division on the implementation of the University District Plan (2015).

5.2

Work with the University Area Commission in identifying zoning and development issues which affect neighborhood livability.

5.3

Advocate for a fair and balanced development review process for new development and existing residents.

5.4

Support a spectrum of housing opportunities that attract and retain residents at all stages of life.

5.5

Assist with the preservation of architectural character and uniqueness of the thirteen neighborhoods.

5.6

Collaborate with Columbus Zoning Initiatives.

Neighborhood Planning 16

University District Organization

goal six Create and expand multimodal transportation programs related to infrastructure supporting 6.1

Advocate and provide input on neighborhood infrastructure improvements which support complete and safe streets.

6.2

Facilitate business and resident input on parking policy updates.

6.3

Assist with identifying programs and improvements associated with a parking benefit district.

Programs, Projects, and Initiatives

Existing

Potential

Ride CoGo

Neighborhood Activation

Updated Strategic Plan

Protected Bike Lanes Creative Crosswalks Branded Gateways Amplify Housing Conversation

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goal seven Connect businesses to existing SID services and outreach, while looking into potential partnerships to promote further development and participation of businesses within the SID 7.1

Create a bi-annual survey of businesses to assess needs and identify issues.

7.2

Assist with business marketing initiatives which promote visitation to the University District.

7.3

Work with partners to attract and retain local shops and services geared towards the diverse audience in the University District.

7.4

Partner with other nearby SIDs when necessary in order to further advance goals related to business development.

Business Development 18

University District Organization

goal eight Support the improvement of the High Street Streetscape

8.1

Identify the areas needing attention and intervene where necessary.

8.2

Engage city staff and elected officials to coordinate funding for improvements.

8.3

Engage property owners on the need for a special assessment.

8.4

Expand the Special Improvement District or create a new SID if necessary.

Programs, Projects, and Initiatives

Existing

Potential

UDSID Management

Expand SID

Safe + Clean Programming

Small Business Reward Program

Beautification Efforts

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goal nine Focus public communication on neighborhood promotion, University District visitation, and brand distinction from campus 9.1

Continue to increase awareness of University District logo through co-branded marketing opportunities and visuals in the University District.

9.2

Promote the 13 distinct neighborhoods through a new campaign.

9.3

Increase visitor related content on the website to include a business directory and self-guided tours.

9.4

Work with partnering organizations to promote University District assets.

9.5

Communicate University District amenities- that provide reasons to work, live, and play here- to varied populations and demographics.

Branding and Communication 20

University District Organization

goal ten Continued social media messaging from University District branded accounts 10.1

Continue to increase awareness of University District accounts.

10.2

Provide consistent updates on neighborhood events, meetings, and issues affecting the University District.

10.3

Promote new business announcements, openings, and accolades.

Programs, Projects, and Initiatives

Existing Website Update

Potential Themed Social Media Campaign Historic Wayfinding

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Programs, Projects, and Initiatives

Existing

Role

Internships + Community Volunteerism Create + Connect + Collaborate

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Partners OSU Departments, Community Partners

Appointing Members to UIDRB + UAC

Create + Connect + Collaborate

Can Fairy Curbside Recycling Program

Create + Connect + Collaborate

Move Out Move In

Create + Connect + Collaborate

Trash to Treasure

Create + Connect + Collaborate

Northwood Arts Space

Create + Connect + Collaborate

Out of the Box

Create + Connect + Collaborate

Super Savers Club

Connect + Collaborate

Outreach Initiative

Connect + Collaborate

Southeast Healthcare, OSU

BeWell Survey

Create + Connect + Collaborate

Residents, Neighborhood Org.

Ride CoGo

Collaborate

City of Columbus, Lyft

Updated Strategic Plan

Create + Connect + Collaborate

Neighborhood Org., Residents

UDSID Management

Create + Connect + Collaborate

Local Business, Property Owners

Safe + Clean Programming

Create + Connect + Collaborate

Beautification Efforts

Create + Connect + Collaborate

Website Update

Create + Connect + Collaborate

University District Organization

City, DoN, UAC City of Columbus, Keep Columbus Beautiful, Ohio EPA, OSU City of Columbus, Keep Columbus Beautiful, DoR, OSU Arts Implementation Committee, SID Property Owners Arts Implementation Committee Arts Implementation Committee, City of Columbus Ohio State Extension, Community Financial Wellness

UDSID Property Owners, City of Columbus Arts Implementation Committee, City of Columbus, OSU, Residents UDO

Programs, Projects, and Initiatives

Proposed

Role

Partners

Hire New Full Time Position

Create + Connect + Collaborate

Local Grants, New Funding Streams

Expand SID

Create + Connect + Collaborate

Local Business, Property Owners

Small Business Reward Program

Connect + Collaborate

University District Businesses

Neighborhood Activation

Create + Connect + Collaborate

City, DoN, UAC

Protected Bike Lanes

Collaborate

Vision Zero, Residents, UAC Planning Committee

Creative Crosswalks

Connect + Collaborate

Arts Implementation Committee, Vision Zero

Branded Gateways

Connect + Collaborate

Ohio State Campus Partners

Amplify Housing Conversation

Connect + Collaborate

City, DoN, UAC, Faith Based Org.

Sidewalk Sales

Connect + Collaborate

OSU Students, Neighborhood Org.

Pearl Alley Jam

Create + Connect + Collaborate

Diavolo Project

Create + Connect + Collaborate

Themed Social Media Campaign

Create + Connect

Historic Wayfinding

Create + Connect

City of Columbus, UAC, GCAC, OSU, Community Partners, Grants Arts Implementation Committee Creative Partners, University District Businesses OSU, Grant Org., State Agencies, OSU ODI

2023 Updated Strategic Plan

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University District Organization