Q&A: What Exactly Does the Providence Downtown Improvement District Do?
Executive Director Robert Russell explains how the DID is helping keep the city clean and safe with new initiatives in place.
The Providence Downtown Improvement District Clean Team. Photo courtesy of DID.
The Clean Team.
In 2005, the Providence Downtown Improvement District (DID) was formed to help improve the city’s quality of life. The nonprofit organization dedicates its time to cleaning, landscaping and patrolling downtown to create a welcoming and safer environment.
Recently, the DID’s efforts were recognized when they received a grant to aid with future projects. Robert Russell, the Executive Director, discusses the DID’s plans to further serve residents, locals and tourists of the area.
How did the DID start?
The Providence Downtown Improvement District (DID) is a special assessment district created in 2005 by 500 downtown property owners. The DID works to improve the area’s physical, economic and social environment through a range of initiatives and services.
What is the DID’s mission?
The DID’s mission is to continuously enhance the quality of life in Downtown Providence.
Photo courtesy of DID.
How many DID members are there?
There are twenty-one ambassadors (dressed in yellow jackets), one operations manager, and two staff members.
What types of downtown improvements and safety initiatives has the DID taken on?
Through the years, the DID has stayed true to its mission. Clean team ambassadors are on litter patrol daily, collecting an average of 50,000 pounds of trash each month. They also power wash sidewalks, remove stickers from street signs and poles, and do touch-up painting. In the summer, they do graffiti removal and manage the downtown beautification program, maintaining 280 hanging baskets, forty planters and ground gardens. In the winter months, they shovel snow from sidewalk curbs. Safety Ambassadors work closely with the Providence Police and other partners to keep downtown safe and welcoming. They patrol the district on foot and bike every day, providing extra eyes and ears on the street. The DID created the Downtown Security Network, which meets regularly with representation from downtown businesses, universities and other stakeholders. In the past, the DID has funded trash receptacles and bike racks, advocated for sidewalk repair, sponsored wayfinding signage and provided funding for downtown marketing initiatives.
Photo courtesy of DID.
Can you discuss any future goals the DID is working towards?
The DID has been awarded a grant from RI Commerce Corporation, allowing 100 new trash receptacles to be purchased. The new receptacles will be on the street in four to six weeks. The DID continues working with the RI Foundation to support the Healthy & Safe PVD Fund. The fund recognizes the impact substance use disorders, untreated mental illness and homelessness have on individuals in the community. Fund partners include Crossroads RI and Project Weber Renew. The DID is in the process of expanding its footprint across the river.
Photo courtesy of DID.
Visit the DID’s revamped website here for the latest news, events and services in downtown Providence.
