Downtown Cincinnati Improvement District Third Quarter Review 2012

3Q 2012 | Safe and Clean Accomplishments Maintaining and enhancing a safe, clean and welcoming downtown including the highly recognized Downtown Ambassador Program

During the third quarter of 2012, the ambassadors removed 33,028 pounds of trash and 881 graffiti tags. In addition, the ambassadors made 689 business contacts, provided 4,307 pedestrians with assistance, and provided 282 safety escorts. The same period in 2011 saw the removal of 34,050 pounds of trash; 697 graffiti tags; 1046 business contacts; 5684 pedestrian assists and 227 safety escorts.

The CBD scored a 1.0 on the July, August and September 2012 monthly litter index reports, the best score possible. The separately-funded Over-the-Rhine Ambassador Program also continues to be well received by the stakeholders. On average, the streets we maintain in OTR received a monthly litter index score of 1.0.

There continues to be a strong and strategic focus on reducing panhandling in the CBD. During the third quarter of 2012, Chico Lockhart, DCI’s Social Service Outreach Coordinator, had almost 1,700 contacts and interactions with clients, social service providers and landlords to help individuals move into housing facilities. He successfully worked to move 11 people into permanent housing. Chico continues his focus on the three people remaining from the six most challenging individuals pursuant to a partnership with the mental health board and the police. Three of the six have been successfully moved into treatment.

3Q 2012| Communications / Marketing Accomplishments Maintaining and enhancing the image, awareness and usage of downtown as a vibrant hub of activity through strategic marketing and communications programs

• The Father’s Day campaign launched with Facebook contest and ads, posters and a City Beat ad. Restaurant results included Arnold’s up 12%, Rock Bottom set new weekly sales record, Lucy Blue up 12% and Appointments up 2%. Website traffic was up 23% over 2011.

• World Choir Games efforts: two large-scale retailer meetings, coordinating the Go.Show.Save discount

program, and launching a retail window display program. Retail sales were strong at Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue. Sales at Mica were up 56% and Fifth Street Gallery up 20%. WCG media coverage included Good Morning America, The New York Times, Dayton Daily News, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Enquirer, Business Courier and features on all local TV stations.

• Macy’s Music Festival was heavily promoted to the media and visitors to drive traffic to over 20 downtown dining establishments featured in a full page ad in the program.

• The DCI Perceptions Survey, administered by LaVerdad Marketing, ran from August 18 to October 8.

Results will be published within the month.

• Holiday event and media planning is ongoing. This year’s Rookwood tile will feature the Taft Museum of Art in honor of their 80thAnniversary.

• Six new establishments now accept the Downtown Gift Card: 1215 Wine and Coffee Bar, A Tavola, Couture Couture, Original Thought Required, Segway and Silver Ladle.

• Brian Thomas at 55KRC interviews Mindy Rosen each Friday to discuss downtown events.

3Q 2012| Stakeholder Services Accomplishments Advocating for and supporting business and residential growth downtown through stakeholder services programs

• DCI, in partnership with the Downtown Residents Council, hosted “Live It Up Downtown” on Saturday, September 15th on Fountain Square. The event celebrated the growing residential community, and promoted downtown living to visitors. Sponsors included 4EG, Horseshoe Casino, Taste of Belgium and various small businesses. Realtors and developers hosted open houses of available properties (rental and for sale), which welcomed an average of 150 visitors each.

• The DCI Perceptions Survey was adapted for use by downtown residents. For the 2012 survey, when respondents gave a home zip code of 45210 or 45202, they were redirected to a resident-specific version of the survey with new questions about living downtown.

• DCI staff is participating in the Taxi Advisory Task Force to develop a training program for drivers in connection with the City and Cincinnati State.

• DCI staff is participating in the Casino Area Stakeholder group, and coordinated a tour of the area with Block by Block/Ambassadors and casino management.

• DCI staff assisted multiple stakeholders with website and phone call inquiries regarding available space or parking data, such as the Cincinnati Police Department’s Crimestoppers Unit, which plans to map parking lots and thefts from auto.

• The DCI quarterly parking survey was completed and posted to downtowncincinnati.com.

3Q 2012| DCID News

• Work on the 2013 DCID renewal continues. The services plan has been approved by the Board of Trustees and is awaiting approval by City Council.

• The DCID Annual Meeting will be held on November 15, 2012 at the Taft Center. Topic will be the SID renewal. We look forward to seeing you there.

Did you find this information useful? Do you have suggestions or feedback on this mailing? If so, please contact Jill Schiller, DCI’s SVP of Operations, at jill@downtowncincinnati.com or 513.421.4440, x112.