Dayton is cleaning up downtown ahead of NATO assembly in May
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — With just over 100 days to go until international delegates arrive in Dayton for NATO's Parliamentary Assembly, the city is working to deliver some much needed cosmetic improvements.
City officials say that plans are underway to bring flowers and better lighting to areas of downtown Dayton ahead of a major influx of visitors.
Portion of downtown Dayton becoming 'NATO Village' in May
All throughout downtown, workers are making improvements to buildings and roads like Main Street and Third Street. The city says the operation to revitalize the downtown space includes addressing sidewalk conditions and modernizing road signs.
'What's really different this year is that we have a bigger focus on lighting and making sure that the banners are telling a story,' said Kristina Scott, vice president for strategy, Downtown Dayton Partnership.
City leaders say renovations are also happening in downtown spaces like the Schuster Center. Many of these improvements have been in the works for years.
'The Convention Center has been making millions of dollars of investment in improvements, and it looks great inside,' said Scott.
Officials have also invited the public to help take part in activities like painting and road clean-up to further the appearance of public spaces as the city prepares to receive thousands of international delegates and visitors.
The public clean-up is scheduled for April 26.
Unique performance announced ahead of Dayton's NATO assembly
Local leaders planning the event add that it was necessary to include the local community for such a large-scale endeavor for the city of Dayton.
'We have an opportunity to clean up the streetscape at Third and Main to make sure that the sidewalks are safe,' said Scott. 'And to just put a shine on the entire downtown here in the city, so that we are ready for the world stage.'
City leaders add that there could be more updates to signage and other downtown landmarks ahead of the event in May.
Leaders add that these improvements will have a local impact to residents for years to come.
'It's really important to us that NATO is an opportunity for us to spruce up downtown, to make some improvements,' said Scott.
The NATO Parliamentary Assembly is scheduled to take place over the Memorial Day weekend.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
$1.8 million awarded to Dayton airport for runway rehab
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — More than $1.8 million in federal funds will go toward the Dayton International Airport. Congressman Mike Turner announced that $1,812,000 has been awarded to the James M. Cox Dayton International Airport (DAY). This funding is provided through the FAA's Airport Improvement Program. Funding will go toward refurbishing taxiway lighting at the Dayton Airport, as well as rehabilitate parts of the taxiway to minimize debris and to extend the life of the taxiway. 'This federal investment for Dayton International Airport underscores the critical role our airport plays in the economic impact to the Miami Valley region,' said Turner. 'The funding from the FAA will allow DAY to make the necessary renovations to extend the longevity of its taxiways for years to come.' Turner also announced $462,560 will go to the Greene County Lewis A. Jackson Regional Airport (GDK) to reseal parts of the airport terminal and tiedown apron to extend the useful life of the facilities. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
High school students present ideas for Dayton's future
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — Local high school students gathered to share their ideas for Dayton's future. Young leaders accepted into the Inside Dayton Program presented their recommendations to the MCESC Business Advisory Council on Wednesday. The program helps lift student voices and shape visionary leaders. A total of 28 high school students from 21 local schools presented ideas on what's working in Dayton and how they can make things better. Education leaders say this offers kids a new perspective for the future. 'A lot of times we ask kids the question, 'what you want to be when you grow up?' That's really the wrong question to ask,' said Shannon Cox, Montgomery County Educational Services Center superintendent. 'It's really about making certain that they see the whole community as a place where they can live and thrive. They don't want to just work for the rest of their life. They want to live.' The presentation showcases what happens when young leaders are given the space to lead. To learn more about the Educational Services Center, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
Ohio families to receive extra EBT benefits during summer
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — Some families can now get extra EBT benefits to help fight food insecurity while kids are on summer break. Summer benefits, also know as Sun Bucks, will be distributed for most eligible children in the month of June. This will come as a one-time $120 benefit. 'Last year, we provided $144 million in food assistance to over 1.2 million Ohio children through the Sun Bucks program,' said Matt Damschroder, ODJFS director. 'We have begun the process of distributing the $120 per eligible child and expect to have most benefits distributed over the next month.' Summer meal programs under strain amid increased need, funding cuts These benefits help families who rely on school lunch programs, which are unavailable through the summer months. Families unsure about eligibility can apply with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
