The Future of Downtown Dayton
- RoShawn Winburn
- 58 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Collaboration, Investment, and Vision Through 2030
By RoShawn Winburn, Dayton Weekly News
The Dayton Business Journal hosted a powerful and forward-looking panel on June 3, 2025, at Sinclair Community College’s Ponitz Center, exploring the future of Downtown Dayton. Moderated by Dayton Business Journal Editor, Caleb Stephens, the panel featured key regional leaders: Shelley Dickstein (Dayton City Manager), Katie Meyer (President, Downtown Dayton Partnership), Bob Ruzinsky (CEO, Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority), and Gabriel Van Aalst (President & CEO, Dayton Live). Dayton Weekly News was present to witness and capture the momentum driving the heart of our city.
A Unified Vision for Growth
The panelists conveyed a shared commitment to transforming Downtown Dayton into a vibrant, inclusive, and economically dynamic hub. With seamless collaboration evident on stage, each leader offered insight into the initiatives already shaping the downtown landscape and those yet to come.
Key Economic Highlights
$22MÂ in city investment has leveraged $500MÂ in private development since 2021.
Over 1,000 new housing units, 600 jobs, and 208 hotel rooms have been added.
The Entrepreneur Center surpassed $1 billion in economic impact in 2024, with 32 ventures securing $172 million in equity investment.
Major projects like The Arcade and the $130 million Center City Project are reshaping downtown’s core.
Safety and Perception
Addressing public safety, the city has committed $10 million for a new downtown police station and a real-time crime center. City leaders emphasized technology, visibility, and community engagement as key to reducing crime and improving perceptions of downtown safety.
Mobility and Access
Greater Dayton RTA’s contributions extended beyond transit. CEO Bob Ruzinsky highlighted investments in community-centered developments like the Schuster Center and the Air City Garage, while also focusing on new outreach and rider education programs to expand access and inclusion.
Arts as an Economic Engine
Dayton Live’s Gabriel Van Aalst noted the 400,000+ annual attendees drawn to downtown arts venues, which generate $35 million in economic activity. Collaborative programming with Dayton Public Schools and others is aimed at deepening engagement and building the next generation of supporters.
Challenges and Opportunities
While celebrating progress, panelists acknowledged challenges:
The need for more housing and office space to attract residents and entrepreneurs.
Better integration of neighborhoods divided by infrastructure, such as the reimagining of US 35.
A renewed push for inclusive planning, especially engaging small and minority-owned businesses earlier in major downtown events.
Looking Forward to 2030
By the end of the decade, Dayton leaders envision:
10,000 total housing units downtown
A fully operational Amtrak return, reconnecting Dayton to regional rail
A revitalized Courthouse Square and expanded public gathering spaces
Action Items for Stakeholders
Deepen public-private collaboration to build on existing momentum.
Involve small businesses early in planning and activation of major events.
Use storytelling and marketing to counter negative perceptions and celebrate the city’s authentic identity.
Continue investment in safety, infrastructure, and mobility to support growth.
Leverage arts and culture as both community anchors and economic drivers.
A Call for Community Ambassadors
Panelists closed with a call to action: each resident, visitor, and business owner has a role in shaping the narrative of Downtown Dayton. From riding the bus to attending a play, supporting a local café to mentoring a startup - everyone has a part to play in ensuring downtown remains not just a destination, but a daily source of pride.
The Downtown Dayton Partnership keeps the community aware of what's going on downtown. Take a look at what's happening downtown, and plan a visit today!
What is one area Dayton leaders could improve to bring people back Downtown to work, play, live or create?
More dining
More nightlife
More arts & culture
More outdoor activities
