university district organization
STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE
acknowledgements
Board Members
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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
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Susan Jennings, North Central Mental Health Services
TJ Logan, Ohio State University Student Life
University District Organization Team
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Nora Gerber, Executive Director
Marcus Grimes, Operations Manager
Terry Jones, Stewards
Kae Denino, LSW UDO Social Worker
Drew DeMarsh, Planner Neighborhood Design Center Team
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Juliana Silveira, Director of Planning & Urban Design
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.
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.
The City of Columbus created the University Area Commission. Twenty other Area Commissions would follow, but UAC was the first to be established.
1971
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.
BeWell Survey
1995
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.
2015
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
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.
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.
University Area Review Board
University Community Association
University Area Commission
The University District
The University District Organization creates, connects, and collaborates to promote economic growth and quality of life in our diverse neighborhoods.
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.
plan themes
This Strategic Plan is structured around five themes: Organizational Development, Livability, Neighborhood Planning, Business Development, Branding and Communication.
Organizational Development focuses on continuing to improve UDO’s structure, culture, and effectiveness.
Livability focuses on aspects of quality of life aiming to create environments that are comfortable, sustainable, and conducive to overall well-being.
Neighborhood Planning focuses on community-based process that involves residents, local government, and stakeholders in shaping the University District.
Business Development focuses on supporting 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.
Organizational Development
Livability
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.
Work with the board to identify and define UCBA’s role and impact. 1.2
Educate civic associations and commission members about the mission and goals of UDO to foster partnerships.
Create special committees, on a needed basis, to advance UDO goals.
Increase organization’s funding.
Organizational Development
goal two
Maintain the existing organizational tasks of the University District Organization
Issue annual reports to summarize yearly accomplishments.
Produce yearly project initiative summaries at the beginning of each year.
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.
Continue to seek partnerships with others to be able to exponentially increase productivity.
Programs, Projects, and Initiatives
Existing
Internships + Community Volunteerism
Appointing members to UIDRB + UAC
Potential
Hire New Full Time Position
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.
Highlight the elements that makes the University District a great neighborhood to encourage people of all demographics to enjoy the district.
Embrace diversity and bridge cultural gaps in the district in order to strengthen the sense of belonging and welcoming.
Create task forces with community leaders and city staff as necessary to address problems.
Continue to advocate for a holistic approach to safety and wellness.
Maintain the Public Service Committee for move-out/move-in planning and operations.
Work to create new or expand a SID area to address basic clean and safe issues.
goal four
Increase public art and place-making projects for the University District Programs, Projects, and Initiatives
Continue the planning and implementation effort of the 2018 Arts & Character Plan.
Work with institutional and organization partners to leverage existing resources in order to secure private and public funding options for further project implementation.
Establish annual events supporting arts in the district in order to create opportunities for neighbors to meet and engage in community arts.
Existing
Move Out Move In Trash 2 Treasure
Northwood Arts Space Out of the Box
Outreach Initiative
BeWell Survey
Potential
Pearl Alley Jam Festival
Diavolo Project
Can Fairy Curbside Recycling Program
Super Savers Club
Sidewalk Sales
goal five
Act as a facilitator between city staff and elected officials to identify and solve neighborhood issues
Work with the Columbus Planning Division on the implementation of the University District Plan (2015).
Work with the University Area Commission in identifying zoning and development issues which affect neighborhood livability.
Advocate for a fair and balanced development review process for new development and existing residents.
Support a spectrum of housing opportunities that attract and retain residents at all stages of life.
Assist with the preservation of architectural character and uniqueness of the thirteen neighborhoods.
Collaborate with Columbus Zoning Initiatives.
Neighborhood Planning
goal six
Create and expand multimodal transportation programs related to infrastructure supporting
Advocate and provide input on neighborhood infrastructure improvements which support complete and safe streets.
Facilitate business and resident input on parking policy updates.
Assist with identifying programs and improvements associated with a parking benefit district. 6.1
Programs, Projects, and Initiatives
Existing
Ride CoGo
Updated Strategic Plan
Potential
Neighborhood Activation
Protected Bike Lanes
Creative Crosswalks
Branded Gateways
Amplify Housing Conversation
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
7.2 7.3
Create a bi-annual survey of businesses to assess needs and identify issues.
Assist with business marketing initiatives which promote visitation to the University District.
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
goal eight
Support the improvement of the High Street Streetscape Programs, Projects, and Initiatives
Identify the areas needing attention and intervene where necessary.
Engage city staff and elected officials to coordinate funding for improvements.
Engage property owners on the need for a special assessment.
Expand the Special Improvement District or create a new SID if necessary. 8.1
Existing
UDSID Management
Safe + Clean Programming
Beautification Efforts
Potential
Expand SID Small Business Reward Program
goal nine
Focus public communication on neighborhood promotion, University District visitation, and brand distinction from campus
Continue to increase awareness of University District logo through co-branded marketing opportunities and visuals in the University District.
Promote the 13 distinct neighborhoods through a new campaign.
Increase visitor related content on the website to include a business directory and self-guided tours.
Work with partnering organizations to promote University District assets.
Communicate University District amenities- that provide reasons to work, live, and play here- to varied populations and demographics.
Branding and Communication
Continue to increase awareness of University District accounts.
Provide consistent updates on neighborhood events, meetings, and issues affecting the University District.
Promote new business announcements, openings, and accolades.
Programs, Projects, and Initiatives
Existing
Programs, Projects, and Initiatives
Existing
Internships + Community Volunteerism
Appointing Members to UIDRB + UAC
Can Fairy Curbside Recycling Program
Move Out Move In
Trash to Treasure
Northwood Arts Space
Out of the Box
Super Savers Club
Outreach Initiative
BeWell Survey
Ride CoGo
Updated Strategic Plan
UDSID Management
Safe + Clean Programming
Beautification Efforts
Website Update
Role Partners
Create + Connect + Collaborate
OSU Departments, Community Partners
Create + Connect + Collaborate City, DoN, UAC
Create + Connect + Collaborate
Create + Connect + Collaborate
Create + Connect + Collaborate
Create + Connect + Collaborate
Create + Connect + Collaborate
Connect + Collaborate
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
Connect + Collaborate Southeast Healthcare, OSU
Create + Connect + Collaborate Residents, Neighborhood Org.
Collaborate
City of Columbus, Lyft
Create + Connect + Collaborate Neighborhood Org., Residents
Create + Connect + Collaborate Local Business, Property Owners
Create + Connect + Collaborate
Create + Connect + Collaborate
UDSID Property Owners, City of Columbus
Arts Implementation Committee, City of Columbus, OSU, Residents
Create + Connect + Collaborate UDO
Programs, Projects, and Initiatives
Proposed Role Partners
Hire New Full Time Position
Expand SID
Small Business Reward Program
Neighborhood Activation
Create + Connect + Collaborate Local Grants, New Funding Streams
Create + Connect + Collaborate Local Business, Property Owners
Connect + Collaborate University District Businesses
Create + Connect + Collaborate City, DoN, UAC
Protected Bike Lanes Collaborate
Creative Crosswalks
Branded Gateways
Amplify Housing Conversation
Sidewalk Sales
Pearl Alley Jam
Diavolo Project
Themed Social Media Campaign
Connect + Collaborate
Vision Zero, Residents, UAC Planning Committee
Arts Implementation Committee, Vision Zero
Connect + Collaborate Ohio State Campus Partners
Connect + Collaborate City, DoN, UAC, Faith Based Org.
Connect + Collaborate OSU Students, Neighborhood Org.
Create + Connect + Collaborate
City of Columbus, UAC, GCAC, OSU, Community Partners, Grants
Create + Connect + Collaborate Arts Implementation Committee
Create + Connect
Creative Partners, University District Businesses
Historic Wayfinding Create + Connect OSU, Grant Org., State Agencies, OSU ODI