Downtown Columbus is a neighborhood where everyone should feel safe.
Safety is the foundation of a thriving urban core that is welcoming and accessible to all. When people feel secure walking our streets, patronizing our businesses, and enjoying our public spaces, Downtown flourishes.
Services provided by Special Improvement Districts (SIDs) play a crucial role in ensuring Downtown Columbus is clean and safe — especially as our resident, visitor and worker populations grow.
Call 614-227-3788 if you’re in need of assistance.
Phone lines are monitored 24/7/365. Calls received outside of service hours will be rerouted for support from Allied Security.
Sign up to receive updates on Safer Downtown initiatives and services, road closure alerts, and more.
A network of security cameras, radio and phone lines that are monitored 24/7 at the Safer Downtown Command Center.
Data and information sharing across Safer Downtown partners to guide decisions on safety improvements.
Ensuring proper lighting and visibility are incorporated into current and future development.
On-foot and bicycle teams focused on visibility, assistance and coordination with police and other City partners.
Call or text for cleaning services, homeless outreach, or security escorts. Phone lines are monitored 24/7/365.
Safer Downtown works closely with the Columbus Division of Police.
In addition to regular police services, Safer Downtown hires special duty police officers dedicated to the Safer Downtown service area, providing an added, focused presence within our boundaries.
Ambassadors focus on visibility, prevention, and assistance. Police — including special duty officers — handle enforcement, emergencies, and criminal activity.
Ambassador Coverage
Monday – Saturday: 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Sunday: 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Call 614-227-3788 if you’re in need of assistance. Phone lines are monitored 24/7/365. Calls received outside Ambassador hours are routed for follow-up
Safer Downtown provides a coordinated safety presence, cleaning support and on-the-ground assistance in Downtown Columbus.
Our teams work alongside the City, police, and property owners to support a safe, clean and welcoming downtown for everyone.
Safer Downtown Ambassadors are often the first point of contact downtown and play a key role in connecting people, issues and resources. On-foot and bicycle Ambassador teams are trained professionals who provide a visible presence, assist people, observe conditions and coordinate directly with police and City partners when needed.
Ambassadors can be identified by bright yellow vests labeled “Safer Downtown.”
Need directions, information, or help walking to your destination within our coverage? Our Ambassadors are here to assist. For escort services, please allow up to 15 minutes for an Ambassador to arrive once calling.
Routine attention to sidewalks and public spaces in the Central District, with maintenance issues reported promptly to appropriate City departments when needed.
Safer Downtown teams engage respectfully with individuals experiencing homelessness and help connect them to outreach providers, social-service partners, and appropriate resources through coordination with the City.
Centralized intake and tracking to help teams communicate, deploy and document activity.
Ongoing collaboration with the City, law enforcement and service providers.
Safer Downtown is committed to:
Safer Downtown services operate within the area outlined here.
Beginning in 2027, Safer Downtown services will be funded through property owner assessments within two Special Improvement Districts — Downtown Central and Downtown East — using a state-authorized SID framework.
Yes. 2026 is a transition year, with Safer Downtown services fully supported through voluntary contributions. This ensures uninterrupted safety, cleaning, and outreach services ahead of SID funding beginning in 2027.
Assessment dollars are directed to on-the-ground services including safety presence, cleaning, outreach, and coordination. The return is a downtown that is safer, cleaner, and more welcoming — supporting property values, tenant confidence, and business activity.
Assessment amounts are set through the formal Special Improvement District petition and approval process and are based on property size and location using a fair, state-authorized formula.
Safer Downtown provides:
Safer Downtown works closely with the Columbus Division of Police.
In addition to regular police services, Safer Downtown hires special duty police officers dedicated to the Safer Downtown service area, providing an added, focused presence within our boundaries.
Ambassadors focus on visibility, prevention, and assistance. Police — including special duty officers — handle enforcement, emergencies, and criminal activity.
Safer Downtown teams engage respectfully with individuals experiencing homelessness and help connect them to outreach providers, social-service partners, and appropriate resources through coordination with the City.
Performance metrics and activity data will be tracked, reviewed, and shared regularly to provide transparency and accountability to property owners and stakeholders.
No. Safer Downtown is an independent initiative operated in partnership with Downtown Columbus Inc. The City is a key partner, but funding and governance are provided through the SID structure.
Independent governing boards will be established as the new SIDs are approved. These boards will include a cross-section of downtown property owners, City representatives, and community leaders.
The boards will:
Performance metrics and activity data will be tracked, reviewed, and shared regularly.
Independent SID boards will be established once the new SIDs are approved and legislated. These boards will include a cross-section of downtown property owners and community leaders.
The new SIDs largely mirror previous downtown service boundaries, with a small addition to include The Peninsula area near COSI and the National Veterans Memorial and Museum.
Safer Downtown provides shared services — including ambassadors, cleaning, and outreach — that complement private security and benefit the entire downtown environment.
Assessments represent a small portion of overall operating costs. A safer, cleaner downtown typically supports stronger demand, tenant retention, and long-term property value.
