Our Impact
ODIDA Clean Green Safe Active
ODIDA Clean, Green, Safe, & Active programs show up on the ground every day in Downtown Omaha. Downtown does not improve by accident. We focus our work around four core programs that keep the heart of the city clean, green, safe, and active.
On this page you can see how those programs show up on the ground, from daily cleaning and landscaping to security, public art, and community events. Explore the highlights below to see what we DO to make Downtown Omaha more welcoming and vibrant every day.
Clean: A Welcoming Environment
Visitors often say Downtown Omaha feels different—it feels cared for. That’s because ODIDA invests heavily in keeping sidewalks, alleys, and public spaces clean 364 days a year. Our Clean Team is on the front lines every single day, making sure Downtown looks and feels its best for businesses, employees, residents, and visitors alike.
Clean Team – What started in 2009 with one part-time employee has grown into a full-time crew serving all 75 blocks of the district. From picking up litter to removing weeds, cleaning trash receptacles, and keeping curblines clear, the team handles the daily details that keep Downtown welcoming.
Dog Waste Stations – With more pets living Downtown, our 20+ dog waste bag dispensers are a simple but vital service. Replenished regularly with biodegradable bags, these stations help pet owners do their part in keeping public areas clean. View Station Map →
Power Washing & Snow Removal – Our team tackles everything from pigeon waste and grime buildup to snow-packed crosswalks. By removing hazards and buildup, we keep pedestrian routes safer and more comfortable. Property owners can also request one-time cleanings if needed.
Cigarette Receptacles – Litter adds up fast, and cigarette waste is one of the biggest culprits. ODIDA has installed permanent receptacles along Howard Street and also provides temporary plastic versions for businesses that need them.
✨ Impact: A clean Downtown isn’t just about appearances—it creates pride, safety, and a sense of welcome. When sidewalks shine, crosswalks are clear, and alleys are inviting, people linger longer, businesses thrive, and Downtown feels like a place everyone can enjoy.
Green: Keeping Downtown Beautiful
Downtown should feel alive, no matter the season. Our Green programs bring color, shade, and life to the heart of Omaha through thoughtful landscaping and long-term tree care. From bright seasonal blooms to native grasses and sturdy oaks, ODIDA’s investment in greenery helps make Downtown a place people want to walk, explore, and enjoy.
Gardner Program – Our full-time gardener plants and maintains flowerbeds, seasonal planters, and trees across the district. Over the years, we’ve introduced a mix of native perennials and annuals—including Switchgrass, Little Bluestem, Coneflower, Black-eyed Susan, and bright annual flowers—to create year-round beauty. We also advise property owners on what will thrive in their sidewalk beds—just reach out and we’re happy to help.
Inventory Map – Every tree and planting Downtown is tracked in our public Green Inventory Map. This tool shows who is responsible for each bed and helps guide long-term care, replacement, and planning. Anyone can explore it, making Downtown’s green assets transparent and easy to follow.
Tree Program – Since ODIDA’s founding, we’ve planted over 100 new trees Downtown. Working with arborist Jack Phillips and The Naturalist School, we introduced black oak, red oak, white oak, and bur oak—grown from wild, local acorns—to ensure native resilience. Diseased or dying trees are identified, removed, and replaced to keep our urban canopy healthy for generations to come.
Tree Guard Program – To help trees thrive in an urban environment, ODIDA launched a pilot guard program, approved by both the City and the Landmarks Heritage Preservation Commission. Each year, we aim to offer subsidies for property owners who want to protect their trees with custom-designed guards.
✨ Impact: Trees and plantings aren’t just decorative—they provide shade, improve air quality, support pollinators, and transform sidewalks into welcoming places where people pause, connect, and return again and again.
Safe: A Secure Downtown for All
Safety is essential for a thriving Downtown. ODIDA invests in programs and partnerships that give everyone—residents, workers, and visitors—peace of mind. By working alongside local law enforcement, private security, and community partners, we create an environment where people feel comfortable exploring, shopping, and gathering.
Private Security Patrols – Since 2010, ODIDA has partnered with Lion’s Gate Security Solutions to provide professional, unarmed security throughout the district. These officers offer visible and proactive patrols, quick response times, and support for major Downtown landmarks like the Holland Performing Arts Center, Orpheum Theater, and Paxton Building. Their presence helps keep Downtown walkable and welcoming.
Patrol Hours:
- Thursdays–Saturdays: 7:00 PM – 3:00 AM
- Sundays: 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Expanded patrols during June weekends and major events such as the College World Series
SafeWalk Program – Whether you’re heading to your car, walking home, or exploring after an event, our SafeWalk program is here to help. Uniformed officers are available to walk with you anywhere within the Downtown Improvement District during patrol hours. This free service is available to all employees, residents, and visitors.
📞 SafeWalk Phone Number: 402-616-2651
Public Space Safety Enhancements – Beyond patrols, ODIDA works to improve safety in lasting ways. From lighting upgrades in alleys to safety education for businesses and coordinated security during major events, we continually adapt to meet the needs of a busy, growing Downtown.
✨ Impact: When people feel safe, they’re more likely to stay longer, return often, and enjoy everything Downtown has to offer. From restaurants and shops to arts and events, a secure environment allows our community to flourish.
Active: Engaging & Inspiring Downtown
Downtown is more than buildings—it’s an experience. Our Active programs spark connection through arts, culture, and community, ensuring there’s always something new to see, do, and share. From newsletters that keep you in the know to public art that transforms everyday spaces, ODIDA helps Downtown come alive.
Weekly Newsletter – Every Wednesday, thousands of subscribers receive our curated guide to Downtown events, news, and highlights. It’s the easiest way to stay connected and make the most of your week in Omaha’s urban core.
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First Friday Art Walk – Once a month, Downtown galleries open their doors late for a neighborhood-wide celebration of art. This self-guided walk is an opportunity to explore exhibitions, meet artists, and experience Downtown’s creative energy. Learn more →
Downtown Postcards & QR Codes – We designed postcards and QR codes placed at hotels, visitor centers, and local businesses to help people discover Downtown. A quick scan connects you to event listings, maps, and insider tips—making exploration easy and fun. View Postcard →
Utility Box Art Project – What was once ordinary infrastructure is now extraordinary public art. ODIDA partnered with local artists to paint vibrant designs on traffic cabinets along Howard Street and beyond, bringing color and storytelling into the everyday Downtown experience. Learn about the project →
Downtown Welcome Ambassadors – For years, our concierge-style Ambassadors greeted visitors, gave directions, and provided a friendly face on the street. The program has been paused since COVID, but we hope to bring it back—and we’re looking for leaders interested in heading it up. Reach out if you’d like to be part of its revival.
✨ Impact: These programs make Downtown more than a destination—they create a sense of place. By blending art, information, and personal connection, Downtown Omaha becomes dynamic, creative, and welcoming, encouraging people to linger longer and return often.
