As Dayton prepares to welcome the NATO Parliamentary Assembly from May 22 to 26, the city is launching a wave of beautification efforts targeting the secure “NATO Village” zone in the downtown core. These initiatives are designed to showcase the city’s best face to the world, but they also underscore deeper, unresolved issues within the local economy.
The city’s efforts include extensive cleaning, landscaping touch-ups, and the installation of vinyl window coverings and murals designed by local artists. Among those contributing is renowned Dayton photographer Scotty D, whose works are featured prominently across vacant storefronts and underused spaces. These visual enhancements aim to reflect Dayton’s role in international diplomacy, including its historic ties to the Dayton Peace Accords.
However, the city’s decision to use Think Patented—a Miamisburg-based print vendor—for producing these signs has drawn criticism. Many local advocates question why Dayton did not choose from its own roster of qualified downtown print and signage providers, such as PrintPoint Printing or The Digital Fringe. Especially during a major global event, investing in hyperlocal businesses could have amplified economic benefits and demonstrated stronger support for the city’s own small business ecosystem.
Equally concerning is what the beautification effort reveals about downtown’s broader challenges. While the aesthetic improvements are visually impactful, they are also being used to conceal numerous vacant and blighted buildings. If these first-floor and office-level spaces were instead occupied by thriving small businesses, the city might not be spending taxpayer dollars to disguise economic stagnation behind decorative coverings.
Despite these criticisms, the NATO Assembly offers a valuable opportunity for Dayton to highlight its cultural resilience and global relevance. The murals and public art installations—crafted by local talent—reflect community pride and creative potential. Yet, the lasting success of this event will depend not just on appearances but on whether city leaders take meaningful steps to revitalize downtown in a way that supports sustainable, small business growth year-round.
As the city welcomes international delegates, the spotlight offers a moment for reflection: a vibrant downtown should be more than a temporary facade—it should be a thriving, everyday reality.