New York City is home to the nation's largest, most comprehensive network of Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) in the country. The City's 64 BIDs annually contribute close to $100 million worth of services in neighborhoods across the five boroughs.

A Business Improvement District is a formal organization made up of property owners and commercial tenants who are dedicated to promoting business development and improving an area's quality of life. BIDs deliver supplemental services such as sanitation and maintenance, public safety and visitor services, marketing and promotional programs, capital improvements, and beautification for the area - all funded by a special assessment paid by property owners within the district. Since its inception over twenty years ago, the City's BID program has contributed over $930 million in supplemental services to invigorate our neighborhoods.

To learn more about the BID Program, see the Fiscal Year 2008 BID Annual Report Summary and Profile Book.

New York City's 64 Business Improvement Districts

Any commercial, retail, or industrial area in New York City may apply for BID status through a local sponsor. BIDs must be approved by the local Community Board, the City Planning Commission, the City Council, and the Mayor. SBS works with commercial property owners and businesses to assist them in forming BIDs and managing BID services on an ongoing basis. To learn more about forming and managing a BID, download the following resources:

• Starting a Business Improvement District: A Step by Step Guide (820K PDF)
• BID Brochure (104K PDF)
• BID Needs Survey (32K PDF)
• BID Project Plan (32K PDF)