Downtown Cleveland Alliance

Name

Downtown Cleveland Alliance

Legal name

Downtown Cleveland, Inc.

Website

https://downtowncleveland.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1993

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Urban Place Management Services

NAICS

Civic and Social Organizations (81341), Administration of Housing Programs, Urban Planning, and Community Development (925), Administration of Urban Planning and Community and Rural Development (925120)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Facilities Support Management Services (8744)

akta.pro primary industry

Smart Cities & Urban Innovation Programs (Digital Planning, Civic Tech for Cities) (BPAIANAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Affordable Housing & Community Development (Housing, Community Land Trusts) (BPAGALAC), Public Works & Municipal Infrastructure (Streets, Stormwater, Facilities) (BPAIACAF)

Keywords

• Urban place management
• Economic development services
• Special improvement district
• Clean and safe ambassadors
• Downtown revitalization

Headquarters

HQ city

Cleveland

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Property and business owners within the Downtown Cleveland Improvement District pay special property assessments to DCIC, which funds the Clean & Safe Ambassador Program and supports economic development initiatives. Membership also provides access to tabling at DCA events and promotional benefits
2. Sponsorship: Corporate and organizational sponsors fund signature events and programs such as WinterLand (presented by K&D Group), Ice Fest, Juneteenth Freedom Fest, and other public space activations. Sponsors receive visibility and brand integration at downtown events
3. Banner Program: Businesses and organizations can purchase banner placements on downtown lampposts as a marketing/advertising revenue stream
4. Event Revenue: Some events such as LIVE #dtCLE (Downtown Living Experience Tours) generate ticket revenue from participants touring downtown residential properties with themed food and drink from local restaurants

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Downtown Cleveland Alliance operates as a nonprofit Urban Place Management Organization delivering Clean & Safe ambassador services, outreach for unsheltered residents, economic development and site-selection assistance to businesses and developers, event programming (WinterLand, Juneteenth Freedom Fest, Summer Series), and Special Improvement District management funded by property assessments. Its SEEDS program trains and transitions homeless individuals to full-time ambassador employment.

Product overview

Downtown Cleveland Alliance (DCA) operates as an urban place management organization offering a comprehensive suite of services organized around four core pillars: Place Management (Clean & Safe Ambassador Programs, Outreach Services, SEEDS Workforce Readiness), Economic Development & Planning (Business Development Center, Office Relocation Services, Real Estate Development Support, Storefront Growth Programs), Event Programming (Summer Series, WinterLand, Juneteenth Freedom Fest), and Community Engagement (Downtown Green Team, City Advocates, Busker Program, Membership). The organization also operates supporting programs including the CleCoin Downtown Dollars gift card system and maintains the Downtown Vitality Dashboard and 3D Development Model for tracking urban development. DCA is funded through Special Improvement District property assessments and serves as the operational arm for the Downtown Cleveland Improvement Corporation (DCIC).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Clean Ambassador Program A team of clean ambassadors patrolling downtown Cleveland around the clock providing trash collection, landscaping, graffiti removal, and general beautification services funded by the Downtown Cleveland Improvement District (DCIC).
• Safe Ambassador Program Safety ambassadors providing security checks, safety escorts, and uniformed presence throughout downtown Cleveland, funded by DCIC special assessments.
• Outreach Services Connects unsheltered downtown residents with social services, housing, medical, mental health, and addiction treatment resources through DCA outreach specialists under the Home for Every Neighbor program.
• SEEDS Workforce Readiness Program A workforce readiness program that teaches unsheltered individuals professional skills in landscaping, urban beautification, and hospitality to help them secure long-term employment and permanent housing.
• Real Estate Development Support Oversees and supports real estate development in downtown Cleveland, including adaptive reuse initiatives, historic district coordination, and access to tax abatement, TIF financing, and incentives.
• Office Relocation & Expansion Services Direct consultation for businesses relocating or expanding office presence in downtown Cleveland, including site selection, incentive navigation, and employer recruitment.
• Business Development Center Provides information about downtown projects, incentives, market research, and resources for businesses looking to locate or expand in downtown Cleveland.
• Storefront Relocation & Growth Program Assistance for retail businesses relocating or expanding storefronts in downtown Cleveland, including financial incentive programs, permitting navigation, and regulatory support.
• Food Truck Permitting & Operations Support Comprehensive guidance and support for food truck operators including permitting requirements, insurance needs, fire safety inspections, parking/operations support, and resources for small business development.
• CleCoin Downtown Dollars A digital gift card program designed to circulate dollars within downtown at participating restaurants and retailers; preloaded gift cards function like credit cards at participating businesses.
• WinterLand Seasonal winter programming initiative featuring ice skating, outdoor fire pits, holiday activations, residential tours, and family-friendly events throughout downtown Cleveland from November through February.
• Special Improvement Districts Management and coordination of designated Special Improvement Districts within downtown Cleveland, providing enhanced place management services funded by property owner assessments through DCIC.
• Membership Program Membership program offering benefits including tabling opportunities at Downtown Cleveland events, promotional benefits, advocacy representation, and access to stakeholder services.
• Downtown Vitality Dashboard Data dashboard providing metrics and analytics on downtown Cleveland's economic health, development activity, foot traffic, and recovery progress using Placer.ai and supplementary data sources.

Quantifiable outcome

• 759,000 pounds of trash collected, over 13,000 security checks conducted, 400+ safety escorts provided, and 3,000+ graffiti tags removed in one year
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Partnerships

41 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Cuyahoga CountycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022DCA received unprecedented authorization to transport unsheltered individuals to the Cuyahoga County Diversion Center — the only non-public safety entity in the country to receive this authorization. DCA also partnered with the county's ADAMHS Board to access the Diversion Center as a voluntary treatment resource for individuals experiencing mental health, addiction, and alcoholism problems. Additionally, Cuyahoga County's Office of Small Business is listed as a resource for food truck operators.
• St. Vincent Charity Medical CentercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Downtown Cleveland hospital with mission to serve those in need. Partnership involves DCA directly transporting individuals seeking voluntary treatment to the hospital's Psychiatric Emergency Department and outpatient clinic, providing transportation to outpatient clinic, and connecting hospital case managers with clients who have been resistive to treatment or unable to maintain care continuity.
• NEOCH (Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022DCA collaborates with NEOCH on outreach to unsheltered populations. Within weeks of receiving Diversion Center access authorization, DCA Outreach Team collaborated with NEOCH to voluntarily transport an individual to the Center, who subsequently remained for treatment, was transferred to permanent housing, and is currently employed.
• Frontline ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022DCA's Outreach Team collaborates with Frontline Services as part of the comprehensive social service network providing pathways to support for those in need, along with transportation to mental health and addiction treatment on a voluntary basis.
• Care AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022DCA's Outreach Team collaborates with Care Alliance as part of the social service provider network. Care Alliance is a healthcare provider for homeless populations. DCA collaborated with Care Alliance on COVID vaccination availability during the 2021 mass vaccination effort.
• The City MissioncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022DCA partners with The City Mission in the SEEDS workforce readiness program, providing clients prepared to transition back into the workplace with collaborative mentoring and support services. The City Mission is a homeless shelter and service provider.
• International Downtown Association (IDA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022DCA is considered a thought and operational leader in the provision and collaboration of services for unsheltered populations within IDA. DCA's Edward Eckart Jr. led the Top Issues Council for IDA — a group of downtown professionals working to address pressing downtown management topics. DCA President & CEO Michael Deemer was elected to the IDA Board in 2022, providing Cleveland national recognition and a platform to share downtown management approaches.
• State Historic Preservation OfficemajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022DCA partnered with the State Historic Preservation Office and National Park Service to designate the Erieview Urban Renewal Area as the Erieview Historic District — the 10th historic district Downtown with over 270 contributing buildings. Buildings in this district qualify more readily for historic financing tools.
• National Park ServicemajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022DCA partnered with the National Park Service (along with State Historic Preservation Office) to designate the Erieview Urban Renewal Area as the Erieview Historic District, enabling historic tax credit financing for adaptive reuse projects like the 45 Erieview building.
• Greater Cleveland PartnershipmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022DCA collaborates with Greater Cleveland Partnership (along with City of Cleveland, Ohio City Incorporated, Campus District, and Flats Forward) in managing the Downtown Cleveland Digital 3D Development Model, designed and built by Cleveland-based City Architecture. The model serves as a strategic tool to attract people, jobs, and investment.
• City of ClevelandcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022DCA works in close partnership with Mayor Justin Bibb on the 'Connection Is Stronger Downtown' return-to-office campaign, economic development policies, and city planning processes. The city also provides ARPA funds ($500 million once-in-a-generation infusion) for downtown priorities. DCA advocates for public policies supporting job creation and office modernization. Cleveland City Council awarded DCA the North Coast Harbor maintenance contract renewal.
• Cuyahoga County Board of HealthminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2022The Cuyahoga County Board of Health performs food safety inspections and operation plan reviews for mobile food vendors. Passing vendors receive a mobile food unit license. They also provide ServSafe and Person In Charge Training for food truck operators in Cleveland.
• Ohio National GuardminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2022Operated the mass COVID-19 vaccination site at the Wolstein Center in which DCA served as a hub partner to encourage underserved individuals to get vaccinated. Part of the 2021 Cleveland Foundation COVID Relief Fund hub-and-spoke model.
• Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022DCA uses GCRTA data as a supplementary source for tracking downtown recovery metrics. RTA is referenced for public transit access to downtown events and parking. Park-N-Ride options promoted for WinterLand events.
• Cuyahoga County Metropolitan Housing AuthorityminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022DCA assisted the housing authority in providing COVID-19 vaccination availability through oversight and management during the 2021 mass vaccination effort at Wolstein Center, as part of the Cleveland Foundation COVID Relief Fund hub-and-spoke model.
• Gateway DistrictminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022One of 10 distinct downtown district organizations that work in coordination with DCA. The Gateway District is Downtown's bustling hub for retail, dining, and entertainment.
• Warehouse DistrictminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022One of 10 distinct downtown district organizations coordinated with DCA. The Warehouse District is Cleveland's first neighborhood, home to top dining, nightlife, and historic 19th century architecture with 21st century amenities.
• Playhouse SquareminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022The largest performing arts district in the country outside of New York City. Partner district organization coordinated with DCA's programming and downtown management efforts.
• Flats ForwardminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022District organization for The Flats riverfront destination, coordinated with DCA. The Flats is an epicenter of city, nature, industry, and recreation with vibrant nightlife, waterfront dining, residential opportunities, and recreational trails.
• North Coast HarborminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022District organization managing the North Coast Harbor area including Voinovich Bicentennial Park. DCA was awarded the North Coast Harbor maintenance contract renewal by Cleveland City Council in 2023, retaining responsibility for management, programming, and marketing.
• Campus DistrictminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Downtown's academic and healthcare hub, home to Cleveland State University, Cuyahoga Community College Metro Campus, and St. Vincent Charity Medical Center. Coordinated district organization with DCA.
• Cleveland Public LibraryminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Cleveland Public Library coordinates the 'One Cleveland' civic pride campaign that celebrates what connects Clevelanders, highlighting people, stories, and values that unite the community. Promoted through DCA's summer events programming.
• Breakthrough Public SchoolsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022One of the highest-performing networks of free, public charter schools in Ohio. Partner in Nosotros Rock Climbing Gym's Breakthrough Campaign — for every business membership purchased, Nosotros donates a membership to a Breakthrough Public Schools student.
• The Gathering PlaceminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Nonprofit organization supporting, educating, and empowering those coping with the impact of cancer. Nosotros Rock Climbing Gym has been working with The Gathering Place, a cause close to founder Peter Stancato's heart.
• K&D GroupmajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2022K&D Group is a presenting sponsor of WinterLand seasonal programming. Doug Price, CEO of K&D Group, was elected Vice Chair of DCIC. K&D Group is a major downtown stakeholder providing real estate and event support.
• Bedrock ClevelandmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Major downtown property owner (owned by Dan Gilbert). Deb Janik, Senior Vice President of Business Development at Bedrock Cleveland, serves as DCIC Treasurer. Bedrock continues to add new local retailers to Tower City and is involved in major developments including the Rock Block (Cosm, Project Scarlet), Cleveland Clinic Global Peak Performance Center ($3.5B Cuyahoga Riverfront redevelopment), and Tower City improvements.
• Cleveland ClinicmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Cleveland Clinic is developing the Global Peak Performance Center in partnership with Bedrock — a 210,000 square foot facility including the Cleveland Cavaliers training facility, Cleveland Clinic care center, and riverfront boardwalk, as part of Bedrock's $3.5 billion Cuyahoga Riverfront redevelopment. Expected completion: 2027.
• MetroHealthmajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2022MetroHealth is the presenting sponsor of the Juneteenth Freedom Fest, a marquee two-day festival with live music performances, visual artists, fireworks, and educational workshops at Mall C in Downtown Cleveland.
• SBA Small Business Development CentersminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2022Listed as a resource for food truck operators and small businesses on DCA's Food Truck Guide and storefront relocation pages. SBA SBDCs provide business assistance and growth support for entrepreneurs.
• JumpStart Inc.minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2022Listed as a business assistance and growth resource for food truck operators on DCA's Food Truck Guide. Northeast Ohio economic development organization supporting entrepreneurship.
• ECDIminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2022Listed as a business assistance and growth resource for food truck operators and small businesses. Economic and Community Development Institute supporting entrepreneurs in Northeast Ohio.
• Hebrew Free Loan Association of Northeast OhiominorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2022Listed as a business assistance resource offering interest-free loans for small businesses and entrepreneurs on DCA's Food Truck Guide.
• Cuyahoga County Office of Small BusinessminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2022Listed as a business assistance and growth resource for food truck operators on DCA's Food Truck Guide. County-level office providing support for small business development.
• COSE (Council of Smaller Enterprises)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2022Listed as a business assistance and growth resource for food truck operators on DCA's Food Truck Guide. COSE is the small business advocate for Greater Cleveland.
• Ohio Minority Supplier Development CouncilminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2022Listed as a business assistance resource for food truck operators on DCA's Food Truck Guide. Organization connecting minority-owned businesses with procurement opportunities.
• Urban League of Greater ClevelandminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2022Listed as a business assistance resource for food truck operators on DCA's Food Truck Guide. Urban League's E-Center provides business development support.
• Northeast Ohio Hispanic Center for Economic DevelopmentminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2022Listed as a business assistance and growth resource for food truck operators on DCA's Food Truck Guide. Organization supporting Hispanic economic development in Northeast Ohio.
• MedworkscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021DCA partners with Medworks (a nonprofit medical provider for those experiencing homelessness) and Old Stone Church to provide a free pop-up medical and mental health clinic for unsheltered and underserved downtown populations. The first clinic was held in March 2022 as the first of seven planned sessions. The program was set to expand in 2023.
• Old Stone ChurchcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Downtown Cleveland institution whose primary mission is to serve the underserved. Co-hosts the pop-up medical and mental health clinic with Medworks and DCA for the unsheltered and underserved downtown population.
• Cleveland Foundation COVID Relief FundmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021In 2021, DCA was requested by the Cleveland Foundation COVID Relief Fund to serve as a hub partner in a hub-and-spoke model to encourage underserved individuals to receive COVID-19 vaccinations through a mass vaccination site operated by the Ohio National Guard at the Wolstein Center. DCA also assisted partners including GCRTA, LMM, CARE Alliance, and Cuyahoga County Metropolitan Housing Authority.
• Lutheran Metropolitan Ministries (LMM)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2012DCA collaborates with LMM on the SEEDS workforce readiness program, recruiting individuals from the 2100 Lakeside Emergency Men's Homeless Shelter. LMM provides SEEDS participants with personalized assistance in job seeking, self-management skills, savings management, interview skills, and workplace protocols. LMM is also a partner in COVID-19 vaccination hub efforts and the City Mission collaborates on SEEDS.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership: Nonprofit UPMO running ambassador programs, economic development, and event programming for Downtown Pittsburgh. Comparable mission and revenue model anchored by special improvement district assessments in a peer Rust Belt downtown.
• Downtown Denver Partnership: Urban place management organization serving downtown Denver, with similar mandate across clean and safe services, economic development, homelessness outreach, and signature event programming. A directly comparable business improvement district–funded UPMO in a mid-major American downtown.
• Atlanta Downtown Improvement District: Self-taxing business improvement district running ambassador, safety, and economic development programs in Downtown Atlanta. A directly comparable BID structure funding UPMO services at a larger urban scale.
• Detroit Downtown Partnership: UPMO coordinating services for downtown Detroit, with comparable focus on ambassador-led clean and safe services, business attraction, and event programming. A peer with similar objectives and metrics including benchmarked riverfront investment impact.
• Indianapolis Downtown Inc. Urban place management organization for downtown Indianapolis running ambassador, economic development, and event programs. Directly comparable funding model and service mix to DCA in a similar Midwestern downtown.
• Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation (3CDC): Nonprofit real estate developer and UPMO active in Over-the-Rhine and downtown Cincinnati. Comparable hybrid mandate of place management, economic development, and adaptive reuse of legacy commercial space in a peer Midwest city.

Others

• International Downtown Association (IDA): Industry association for urban place management organizations. Not a competitive peer, but the trade body that DCA's CEO sits on the board of and that convenes UPMO leaders, providing standards, training, and benchmarking infrastructure.
• City Architecture: Cleveland-based firm that designed and built the Downtown Cleveland 3D Development Model for DCA. Functionally a technology/integration partner rather than a competitor, but illustrative of comparable civic-tech and visualization firms serving UPMOs.

Broad incumbents

• Greater Cleveland Partnership: Cleveland's regional chamber and economic development organization. Less specialized than DCA but actively collaborates on the 3D Development Model and broader economic development work; complementary regional player covering Greater Cleveland beyond the downtown core.
• Business Improvement District Council (BID Council of NY): Coalition representing NYC's business improvement districts, the most mature urban place management model in the U.S. Comparable governance and assessment funding structure though at much larger scale and density.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/dwntowncle
• Facebookfacebook.com/DowntownClevelandAlliance
• Xx.com/DowntownCLE

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Downtown Cleveland Alliance