Business Improvement Districts

BIDs create vibrant, clean, and safe districts. They deliver services and improvements above and beyond those typically provided by the City. These services can include:

• Street cleaning and maintenance
• Public safety and hospitality
• Marketing and events
• Capital improvements
• Beautification
• Advocacy
• Business development

BID services do not replace those provided by the City. By law, City services cannot be reduced because of the existence of a BID.

BIDs help to brand their districts and market small businesses on their corridor. They facilitate networking among merchants, host community events, and advocate for improvements to the district. BIDs also serve as a liaison between local businesses and stakeholders and the City government. In doing so, BIDs provide a collective voice for the neighborhood and help inform City policy based on their unique local knowledge.

Each BID is run by a not-for-profit organization with a Board of Directors. Elected by members in the district, the Board must include property owners, merchants, residents, and representatives of local elected office. The Board is in charge of making key decisions about programs and services, budget, goals, policies, and staffing.

BID programs and services are funded by a special assessment billed to property owners within a district. Assessments are unique to each BID and decided upon by the BID's stakeholders. The City of New York assists with the collection of the special assessment, which in turn, is distributed directly to the BID. The BID receives 100% of the money collected.

On average, assessments make up 75% of BID budgets. Most BIDs also fundraise, apply for grants, and generate revenue from programs to support the services they provide.

We provide oversight and support to the City's existing BIDs and to communities interested in creating new BIDs. Additionally, our staff serve as board representatives for all BIDs in New York City.

Program Management

• Monitor the fiscal and organizational health of all BIDs
• Manage each BID contract with the City of New York
• Collect annual impact data from every BID
• Collect external audits annually
• Manage billing process
• Represent the Mayor on every BID Board of Directors
• Serve on the Finance and Audit committees for every BID
• Share best practices across BIDs
• Provide workshops and trainings for BIDs

BID Development

• Provide guidance and technical assistance to any groups interested in creating new BIDs or expanding existing BIDs
• Attend all planning meetings
• Provide access to templates and sample documents
• Provide data to inform group decisions
• Share BID best practices
• Attend public meetings
• Promote an inclusive and transparent planning process
• Facilitate groups through legislative approval