University District Special Improvement District Proposed Reauthorization 2026-2031

proposed reauthorization 2026-2031

We cultivate a vibrant, safe, and welcoming community through supplemental security services, environmental stewardship, and proactive advocacy on behalf of our property owners and businesses.

MISSION University District Special Improvement District Proposed Reauthorization 2026-2031

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executive summary The University District Special Improvement District (UDSID) empowers property owners to directly invest in and improve our community through safety, cleanliness, hospitality, and beautification services.

The UDSID operates on a 5-year service plan. We collect a fixed special property tax assessment each year to fund services.

Proposed Reauthorization Service Improvements •

Expanded Special Duty Officer Program

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Prioritized High Street Landscape & Sidewalk Maintenance

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New Beautification Initiatives

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Improved Safety Communication & Information Sharing

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Streamlined Snow Removal Processes

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Enhanced Outreach Services

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Dedicated Safety Committee

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Competitive Steward Wages & Bonus Program

PROPOSED REAUTHORIZATION ASSESSMENT: 2026-2031 Type of Contribution

2026-2029

2029-2031

SID assessment

$371,000 annually

$400,000 annually

Ohio State University contribution

$104,000 annually

$112,100 annually

Contributions from other exempt owners

Proportionate

Proportionate

Anticipated Totals

$475,000 annually

$512,100 annually

The method of assessment is based on front footage, current market value, and square footage of the building.

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First 3 years: min: $0.10/s.f. building; max: $0.24/s.f. building

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University District Special Improvement District Proposed Reauthorization 2026-2031

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Last 2 years: min: $0.1078/s.f. building; max:$0.2588/s.f. building

who we are WHAT IS A SID? A Special Improvement District (SID) is a funding mechanism where property owners within a defined area contribute to support specific projects or services.

Formation: A SID is established when property owners representing 60% of the frontage along public streets and alleys within the district agree to its creation and services.

Funding: All private property owners within the district are then obligated to contribute to the SID’s costs.

Exemptions: Churches and municipally-owned properties are generally exempt from SID contributions but may choose to participate voluntarily.

Governance: SIDs are managed by a private, non-profit board of directors comprised of property owners. Funds are disbursed via the City and are held in a dedicated bank account controlled by this board.

Services: SIDs fund clean and safe programming, such as: •

Litter, trash, and graffiti removal

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Enhanced security

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Homeless outreach programs

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Beautification projects

Accountability: SID service plans are typically five-year terms, requiring reauthorization from property owners for continued operation.

HISTORY 2015

UDSID Established, initial 5-year term at assessment rate of $270,000/year

2020

UDSID Renewed, 5-year term at assessment rate of $371,000/year

2025

UDSID Proposed Reauthorization for 5-year term at assessment rate of $371,000/first 3 years and $400,000/last 2 years of service plan

In 2015 the University District Special Improvement District (UDSID or SID) was established for an initial five-year term, and renewed in 2020 for an additional five year term, The UDSID is dedicated to creating a vibrant and safe community through consistent essential cleaning services and security patrols.

Through property owner support, the reauthorization of the SID to start in June 2026 will ensure the continuation of essential services that enhance our community.

These are the current existing boundaries of the University District Special Improvement District 5

University District Special Improvement District Proposed Reauthorization 2026-2031

core services SAFETY

BY THE NUMBERS | 2021-2024

15,750

safety patrol hours

689

110

240

35,589

responses to illegal camping

incidents reported

Safety Escorts

Scooters Relocated

Our dedicated team ensures a secure environment through proactive walking and bike patrols, safety escorts, and initial outreach to unhoused individuals.

They address trespassing issues, de-escalate conflicts, and provide vigilant observation and reporting, prioritizing the well-being of the community.

To strengthen our efforts, the UDSID collaborates closely with key safety partners such as the Columbus Police Department, OSU Police Department, the City Attorney’s office, Code Enforcement, Southeast Healthcare, Off Campus and Commuter Student Engagement Services, the College of Social Work and other relevant agencies.

These partnerships enable us to develop coordinated safety strategies that address community concerns effectively.

We inform residents and businesses about crime prevention and safety issues through emails, flyers, and public signage. For immediate assistance with non-lifethreatening incidents, call or text us via our hotline.

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University District Special Improvement District Proposed Reauthorization 2026-2031

SAFETY HOSPITALITY CLEANLINESS BEAUTIFICATION

core services HOSPITALITY Creating a welcoming and inclusive community is a key priority for the UDSID. Our SID Stewards offer information and assistance to visitors, residents, and businesses, serving as approachable resources for navigating the district. By engaging with local businesses and residents, we foster strong, positive relationships that contribute to a connected community.

We actively improve the district’s quality of life by submitting 311 requests to the City of Columbus for issues such as alleyway bulk trash, street light outages, and missing sidewalk trash cans. This proactive approach helps enhance the environment and experience for residents, businesses, and visitors.

BY THE NUMBERS | 2021-2024

19,562

business contacts made

337

283

service requests submitted to 311

7

hospitality assistance requests handled

University District Special Improvement District Proposed Reauthorization 2026-2031

SAFETY HOSPITALITY CLEANLINESS BEAUTIFICATION

core services CLEANLINESS

BY THE NUMBERS | 2021-2024

25,382

trash cans serviced

12,698

6,471

handbills and stickers removed

instances of graffiti removed

193

360

hours of power washing

biohazard removals

A clean and well-maintained environment is essential for a thriving community. We work diligently to remove litter, manage overflowing trash, and ensure streets and public spaces remain tidy.

This also includes the prompt removal of all graffiti, handbills, and stickers from exterior surfaces. Our team is trained and regularly pressure washes to keep sidewalks and public areas clean.

Throughout the year we maintain the district’s aesthetic through weed abatement, tree grate cleaning, and general landscape maintenance. This also includes leaf removal in the fall and snow clearance from the sidewalks with our snowrator equipment in the winter.

Our dedicated efforts maintain the University District as a clean, inviting, and vibrant space.

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University District Special Improvement District Proposed Reauthorization 2026-2031

SAFETY HOSPITALITY CLEANLINESS BEAUTIFICATION

core services BEAUTIFICATION Beautification efforts bring the University District’s character to life, enhancing its visual appeal and preserving our unique charm.

Public art installations, such as murals, add vibrancy and celebrate the district’s emerging artistic talent.

Through placemaking projects and events we activate spaces to create engaging experiences for residents and visitors to gather and connect.

These projects provide another avenue for innovative collaborations with the City of Columbus and other creative agencies to add color and art around every corner. Additionally, we repair the decorative sidewalk bricks to ensure the district’s walkability and accessibility.

• Extensive sidewalk brick repair and replacement

Trash to Treasure Dumpsters

• New building mural and multiple dumpster and sidewalk murals • 6 traffic box vinyl wraps • Inauguration of the Pearl Alley Jam event

Building mural on 8th Ave

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University District Special Improvement District Proposed Reauthorization 2026-2031

SAFETY HOSPITALITY CLEANLINESS BEAUTIFICATION

why reauthorize?

KEY BENEFITS

Increased Safety

We prioritize resident and visitor safety through regular patrols of uniformed professionals, on-demand walking escorts, Special Duty Police program, outreach initiatives, and collaborative partnerships with local law enforcement

Before SID Services

After SID Services

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Advocacy & Representation We champion the interests of businesses and property owners to address key concerns, advocate for beneficial policies, and create productive partnerships with local officials

Before SID Services

After SID Services

Before SID Services

After SID Services

Enhanced Cleanliness

We keep your property and the district clean and inviting through daily litter removal, trash overflow management, graffiti and handbill removal and year-round street and sidewalk maintenance

Our mission-driven SID Stewards are here to help daily from 7am to 11pm.

These safe and clean program services are essential to the safety and well-being of our community.

University District Special Improvement District Proposed Reauthorization 2026-2031

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owner costs + frontage

$ current market value

​​UNDERSTANDING THE SPECIAL TAX ASSESSMENT We will collect a fixed annual assessment of $371,000 for the first 3 years. Then, for the last 2 years, this assessment will be increased by approximately 7.8% to $400,000 to cover increased costs. This increase will be applied equally to all parcels.

Your assessment will be calculated based on three primary factors: 1. Property Value: The assessed value of your property, as determined by the Franklin County Auditor.

2. Frontage: The linear footage of your property that borders a public street or alley.

3. Square Footage: The total square footage of your building.

University District Special Improvement District

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METHOD OF ASSESSMENT Base Formula

Your assessment will be determined by a formula that considers these three factors.

Limits

Property owners will pay a specific amount per square foot of their building’s gross floor area.

• •

Initial Assessment: For the first three years (20262028), with limits of no less than $0.10 cents and no more than $0.24 cents per square foot.

Increased Assessment: In the final two years (2029-2030), this rate will increase by approximately 7.8% to limits of no less than $0.1078 cents and no more than $0.2588 cents per square foot.

Total Annual Assessment

The anticipated annual assessment for the district will be: • •

Years 2026-2028: $371,000

Years 2029-2030: $400,000

Additional Funding from Ohio State University

Ohio State University is a key partner in the UDSID. They will contribute annually to support the district’s services of $104,000 for the first 3 years and approximately $112,100 for the last 2 years of the Service Plan.

anticipated budget ANTICIPATED YEARLY BUDGET* 2026-2028 Environmental & Safety Services............................................$400,000.00 (84.21%) Member Services & Organization Admin................................$75,000.00 (15.79%) Total....................................................................$475,000

ANTICIPATED YEARLY BUDGET* 2029-2030 Environmental & Safety Maintenance................................$430,500.00 (84.07%) Member Services & Organization Admin................................$81,600.00 (15.93%) Total....................................................................$512,100 *Represents a draft budget reauthorizing the existing SID boundaries with anticipated income of $475,000 for the first 3 years of the service plan and $512,100 of projected income for the last 2 years of the service plan. The Board of Directors will vote on and produce an annual report for members of the District, describing how funds are allocated.

University District Special Improvement District

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reauthorization timeline Action Item

Due Date

2024

Proposal & Petitition December 2024

2025

UDSID Board approves new plan of service and submits to Dept. Development UDSID circulate petitions to property owners for reauthorization and continuation of SID

January 2025

UDSID submits petitions which is 75% of property owners or 60% of linear frontage from property owners, certified by the Auditor along with Articles of Incorporation and new Plan of Services to Dept. of Development

February 2025

Legislative Process Approve petition, amended Articles of Incorporation, Plan of Services, List of properties within the proposed UDSID

March 2025

Funding legislation is submitted

May 2025

Final approval of SID services and assessment of property owners

July 2025

Execution

2026

UDSID provides actual assessments to Auditor

August 2025

Hold Annual Meeting, Articles of Incorporation, Adopt Revised Code of Regulations, Elect Officers

November 2025

UDSID Service Plan 2026-2031

begins June 1, 2026

University District Special Improvement District

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board of directors Scott Soloman, President Edward Gaughan, Vice-President Justin Garland, Treasurer Jared Schiff, Secretary Cheryl Schnieder, Director Matthew Hansen, Director Nate Rivard, Director

Northwood-High Building 2231 N. High Street, Room 200 Columbus, OH 43201 614-610-4546 (office) 614-395-1600 (hotline) sid@universitydistrict.org universitydistrict.org/sid

University District Special Improvement District

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If not us, then who?

proposed reauthorization 2026-2031