This morning, Mayor Todd Gloria joined the Downtown San Diego Partnership and IKE Smart City to unveil the first of several new digital interactive, wayfinding kiosks called IKE (Interactive Kiosk Experience) at a ribbon-cutting ceremony. At least 50 interactive kiosks designed to help visitors and residents navigate the City will be installed throughout Downtown over the next two years. 

The kiosks, which were approved for installation by the City Council in June 2023, have dual-sided digital touchscreens, complete with interactive applications that encourage discovery of area businesses, promote diverse mobility solutions and provide 24/7 access to resources, including safe shelters, addiction recovery programs, food support and information about City programs such as Get It Done. 

"These interactive kiosks will help make Downtown San Diego more accessible and connected,” said Mayor Todd Gloria. “From promoting local businesses to offering real-time transit options and public safety alerts, these kiosks are an innovative enhancement for residents and visitors alike. Thanks to our partners at the Downtown San Diego Partnership and IKE Smart City for helping us bring this cutting-edge technology to San Diego, while also creating a new revenue stream to support our community." 

IKE operates in 15 cities nationwide, and the local kiosks will give users direct access to the Downtown San Diego Partnership’s Clean and Safe Team via the Downtown security call button on the side of the kiosk. Users will have direct access to a live team at all hours to report safety concerns, request an escort to their car late at night in the Downtown area and more. 

The project is expected to produce nearly $15 million for the City of San Diego and another $7 million for the San Diego Downtown Partnership through advertising and branding opportunities on the kiosks. 

The launch of the first installed kiosk is taking place in Downtown’s City Center neighborhood at the corner of 1200 Fourth Ave. and B Street near the Downtown San Diego Partnership’s office. The kiosk network will be deployed over the next two years within the following areas of Downtown San Diego: City Center, Columbia District, Marina District, East Village, Cortez and the Convention Center District.