Downtown is for everyone. And with concerted efforts during the last year in partnership with Downtown Cleveland and the city, those who work, live, visit and embrace the city center can feel the difference.
There is perceived safety and a brand of “this is what I heard.”
Edward Eckart is senior vice president of operations at Downtown Cleveland and he agrees, “If you don’t feel safe or only listen to the news and information you gather, there is a bias.”
Downtown Cleveland is addressing safety issues at their root causes through innovative partnerships and strategies.
“We focused on looking at our role and how we can best use the strength of an organization like ours as a collaborator and facilitator,” Eckart says, pointing to connecting with social service providers and working in tandem with Cleveland Police.
Here are some outcomes after only a year of Reimagining Downtown.
A Focus on Neighborhood Safety Specialists
Neighborhood Safety Specialists, an arm of the ambassador program, provide an additional uniformed, unarmed presence to de-escalate and deter conflict. Launched in 2022, the program gained momentum through Reimagining Downtown Cleveland. These ambassadors are specially trained in engagement, Narcan administration and crisis intervention.
Bridging the Health Services Gap
Unhoused residents during the pandemic lost connections to care plans and treatment programs. Downtown Cleveland continued to expand the Clean and Safe program’s outreach efforts. Downtown Cleveland’s outreach work is based on international best practices and ongoing collaboration with local social service providers. Downtown Cleveland advocates for policies that improve quality of life and manages SEEDS, a workforce readiness program for those relying on shelters, with the goal of transitioning participants out of the social services system altogether.
Court Watch
Downtown Cleveland works closely with Cleveland District 3, the Prosecutor’s Office and jail administration to work with chronic offenders, monitor hearings and dig deeper to ensure accountability and address underlying causes for offenses. “Now, there are some of the highest offenders that are getting the care they need, and it’s a win for them and for businesses and the Downtown environment,” Eckart says. “They felt like victims and now they feel like someone is listening. This is making a difference.”
