DAYTON, Ohio (WKEF) — The 2025 NATO Parliamentary Assembly begins in Dayton on Thursday, May 22.
Dayton 24/7 Now Jeff Schrock spoke with the Downtown Dayton Partnership, who discussed the challenges of showcasing the city while not negatively impacting people and businesses.
The Downtown Dayton Partnership is one of many local organizations wanting to cement the beauty of Dayton on a global scale as delegates and families arrive for the assembly. A big part of that is preparation. Plans started more than a year ago to make sure the event inside and outside the assembly runs smoothly.
“Here we are, and we’ve been able to accomplish a lot of great projects,” said Katie Meyer with Downtown Dayton Partnership. “It was really important to use art and beautification downtown to put on a great show for all of the delegates and their families, and everyone else is going to be here this weekend.”
Meyer explained how they all worked to mitigate challenges that could arise for both businesses and people who live and work in the area.
“Turning off the meters and providing a lot of guidance and support to the downtown businesses that are staying open. So, even within the secured perimeter, there will be access to these businesses. So we really encourage people to park outside of the perimeter and walk, but please come down and check it all out,” Meyer said.
Many public cultural events inspired by the assembly are happening around Dayton that include public forums on peace and security in the Balkans and a concert for peace by the Sarajevo Philharmonic and the Dayton Philharmonic. Meyer says they want to showcase the whole world Dayton’s story.
“It’s a huge testament to the legacy that this city has and that it is known for, and how cool is that? And so that’s what we’re here to celebrate,” Meyer said.
A news conference to kick off the 2025 NATO Parliamentary Assembly is Thursday, May 22 at 3 p.m.
Montgomery County will be staffing a special call line for residents with questions about the NATO Parliamentary Assembly events and their impact on pedestrian and vehicle traffic, as well as downtown operations. The line will be available from May 21–26, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
Residents can reach the NATO Information Line at 937-496-6911 for non-emergency inquiries related to NATO activities. Please note, this is a non-emergency line designed to reduce calls to 911. If you encounter a situation that may put people in immediate danger, please dial 911.
When the information line is not staffed (from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.), an option to leave a voicemail will be available. For more information, residents can also visit www.natopa-dayton2025.org.