Inaugural Success

Release Date: Tuesday, February 3rd 2009

Downtown DC was the focus of world attention during the four-day Presidential Inauguration celebration, and it didn’t disappoint. Some 1.8 million people attended the ceremonial events and seven official balls in the Downtown BID area without incident. Hats off to everyone who pitched in to help. 

The Downtown BID, businesses, workers and government agencies worked cooperatively and patiently to ensure that the festivities occurred as smoothly as possible. The Downtown BID’s email alerts, updates and website kept Downtown stakeholders apprised of official Inauguration plans, access to Metro, street closings and security measures.
 
“On Inauguration Day, when social and political transformation was top of mind for the world, Downtown's fantastic revitalization was on display for all to see,” said Richard H. Bradley, the Downtown BID’s executive director. “Many thanks to the Downtown businesses, employees and partner organizations who helped make our city shine.”
 
The Downtown BID’s Safety, Hospitality and Maintenance employees, known as SAMs, were a vital part of the Inauguration preparation and clean-up efforts. Along with the Downtown businesses that welcomed nearly 2 million visitors with style, grace and warmth, they helped to maintain order and create a remarkable urban experience for all during the momentous occasion in the history of our nation and our city. The SAMs, who number more than 100, were out in force, armed with information to help move the masses along and find their destinations. They demonstrated for the world what they do best.
 
On January 20, 34 Safety and Hospitality SAMs assisted more than 20,000 visitors who poured through nine manned Metrorail stations and five security checkpoints in the Downtown BID area. On average, the SAMs assist about 16,500 visitors per month. They provided updated information about transit accessibility, security checkpoints, disseminated maps and fielded thousands of visitors’ questions.
 
After the Inauguration, Maintenance SAMs immediately set about returning Downtown to normalcy, sweeping and picking up trash. All told, 40 Maintenance SAMs bagged 19 tons of trash—twice the daily collection, excluding trash collected by the Department of Public Works (DPW). Many worked 15-hour shifts to get the job done.
 
The Maintenance SAMs remained vigilant, as they were overwhelmed with packed trash receptacles and debris, particularly along the busy vending and food corridors on E, G, K and 14th Streets. In the midst of restricted security zones and enormous crowds, they worked diligently to keep curb lines free of refuge and filled to capacity a five-ton compactor. They transported several hundred bags of debris to a designated site coordinated through DPW.
 
“There’s a reason we call our SAMs the eyes, ears and caretakers of Downtown,” said Bradley. “They are second to none when it comes to mobilizing in force to ensure that the visitor experience in the heart of the Nation’s Capitol is a pleasant and engaging one. We’re very proud of the excellent job they did.”
 
The BID’s Homeless Services Program collaborated with the city to move homeless persons inside from the cold and keep shelters open 24 hours through Wednesday. Special Events worked with the Walter E. Washington Convention Center (801 Mount Vernon Place) and the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (1350 Pennsylvania Avenue) to lease the City Center Lot at 11th and H Streets to the Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) and InauguralFest; provided consult to the PIC transportation team; volunteered at Inaugural events; and provided referrals for private events seeking venues and logistical information for event producers. Our transportation department worked to gain longer Metro hours and alternative transportation. 
 
The BID worked with the Washington Area Bicyclist Association, other local organizations and the District Department of Transportation to provide free bike valet parking at 16th Street between H and I Streets, where 1,000 bikes were parked.
 
A record 1.2 million passengers rode the Metrorail system on January 20. Many traveled to or departed from one of four Metrorail stations located in the Downtown BID area that were open. Half of the 20 Metrorail station entrances located within two miles of the Inauguration area are inside the Downtown BID area.  
 
Many restaurants and hotels benefited from record crowds that converged on Downtown neighborhoods. Retail numbers are not available currently, but several restaurants anecdotally reported a twofold increase in the number of diners who visited their establishments and hotels indicated that rates were up.