Downtown Business Improvement District Welcomes Inaugural Visitors

Share

Sun. December 7, 2008

Cooperation Stressed as Millions Expected to Arrive in Downtown DC

WASHINGTON, DC – Next month, the world will descend on Downtown DC to ceremoniously induct the nation’s 44th president, Barack Obama.  As host to an estimated 4 million people, the Downtown DC Business Improvement District (BID) is preparing to welcome the masses with open arms and ensure that their experience in the heart of the Nation’s Capital is a pleasant and engaging one.

“We are urging all hospitality and food service businesses to remain open in order to accommodate the crowds that will move through the area en route to the festivities,” says Richard Bradley, executive director of the Downtown BID.  “In addition, we have asked office building and property managers to encourage their security and maintenance crews to be prepared to guide and assist the many visitors who will traverse the neighborhood throughout the Inaugural weekend.”

The Downtown BID’s safety, hospitality and maintenance employees, known as SAMs, will be out in force, armed with information to help move the crowds along and find their destination. The SAMs, who number more than 100, provide a reassuring presence on Downtown streets seven days a week by offering directions; notifying police when trouble arises; escorting workers to their vehicles or public transportation after hours; and removing litter, trash and graffiti.

The Downtown BID also is contacting local businesses to gauge their operating hours during the Inaugural weekend and will issue “Inaugural Alerts” to keep businesses, workers and residents apprised of official Inaugural plans, access to Metro, street closings and security measures. Links to Inaugural information will be available on the BID’s website at: www.downtowndc.org/inaugural.

“This is the time to put our best face forward and show the world what our city has to offer,” says Bradley. “Cooperation and patience are needed during this momentous occasion in the history of our nation and our city.  The Downtown BID is here to help with the best and latest information we have to keep local businesses informed. We encourage them to join us in this effort.”

# # #