In June of 1999, the Columbus City Council approved the Columbus Business Improvement District (BID) based on the request of property owners in a 47-block area of the Central Business District. The legislation defines the district as a commercial area with district geographic and neighborhood boundaries, in which the property owners have agreed to assess themselves a fee in order to provide supplement services of increased hospitality and safety, maintenance and marketing of the BID area. The BID covers three objectives: Clean and Safe, Clean and Maintenance Team with Ambassador Hospitality and Safety Patrol and Personnel Training and Operating Procedures.

The Columbus BID marketing program involved developing strategic communication plans that support the full spectrum of BID initiatives to promote the downtown area. This includes creating a strong graphic identity and consistent communications messaging for the BID, planned public outreach activities, coordinating and managing special events, disseminating a wide range of publications and informational products and maintaining cooperative relationships with partner organizations.

The Columbus Business Improvement District is overseen through a Board of Directors and a non-profit, private sector, management organization of dedicated professionals. The staff serves a board of 14 property owners who oversee operations, review monthly activity reports and approve and manage the annual budget. The board includes a Chairman and President.