MISSION
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.
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
• Prioritized High Street Landscape & Sidewalk Maintenance
• New Beautification Initiatives
• Improved Safety Communication & Information Sharing
• Streamlined Snow Removal Processes
• Enhanced Outreach Services
• Dedicated Safety Committee
• Competitive Steward Wages & Bonus Program
PROPOSED REAUTHORIZATION ASSESSMENT: 2026-2031
The method of assessment is based on front footage, current market value, and square footage of the building.
• First 3 years: min: $0.10/s.f. building; max: $0.24/s.f. building
• 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
• Enhanced security
• Homeless outreach programs
• Beautification projects
Accountability: SID service plans are typically five-year terms, requiring reauthorization from property owners for continued operation.
HISTORY
UDSID Established, initial 5-year term at assessment rate of $270,000/year
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 2015 2020 2025
UDSID Renewed, 5-year term at assessment rate of $371,000/year
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.
core services
SAFETY
BY THE NUMBERS | 2021-2024
15,750 safety patrol hours
689 responses to illegal camping
240 incidents reported
110 Safety Escorts
35,589 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.
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 service requests submitted to 311
283 hospitality assistance requests handled
core services
CLEANLINESS
BY THE NUMBERS | 2021-2024
25,382 trash cans serviced
12,698 handbills and stickers removed
193 hours of power washing
6,471 instances of graffiti removed 360 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.
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
• New building mural and multiple dumpster and sidewalk murals
• 6 traffic box vinyl wraps
• Inauguration of the Pearl Alley Jam event
Trash to Treasure Dumpsters
Building mural on 8th Ave
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
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
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.
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.
owner costs
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
ANTICIPATED YEARLY BUDGET* 2029-2030
*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.
reauthorization timeline
Proposal & Petitition
UDSID Board approves new plan of service and submits to Dept. Development
UDSID circulate petitions to property owners for reauthorization and continuation of SID
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
Legislative Process
Approve petition, amended Articles of Incorporation, Plan of Services, List of properties within the proposed UDSID
Funding legislation is submitted
Final approval of SID services and assessment of property owners
December 2024
January 2025
February 2025
March 2025
May 2025
July 2025
Execution
UDSID provides actual assessments to Auditor
Hold Annual Meeting, Articles of Incorporation, Adopt Revised Code of Regulations, Elect Officers
UDSID Service Plan 2026-2031
August 2025
November 2025 begins June 1, 2026
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
