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Marketing and Communications

Downtown BID marketing programs involve developing strategic communications plans that support the full spectrum of BID initiatives to promote economic development in Downtown DC. This includes creating a strong graphic identity and consistent communications messaging for the BID, planning public outreach activities, coordinating and managing special events, disseminating a wide range of publications and information products, maintaining cooperative relationships with partner organizations and providing communications support to other departments within the BID.

The BID uses an integrated program of communications and public relations, events, and assistance with cross-promotion between businesses to communicate the message of Downtown's renaissance. A comprehensive research and database program keeps track of shifts in consumer perception to keep Downtown BID marketing programs on track. Economic development programs designed to attract office tenant and retail store operators are coordinated with area developers and commercial leasing agents.

A monthly electronic newsletter, the Downtown Update, keeps more than 8,000 stakeholders and interested others apprised of news, trends and developments taking place in Downtown. From features on new development projects, retail stores and restaurants, to sustainability efforts, transit, traffic and parking, we track the pulse of the neighborhood so that businesses, workers, residents and visitors can stay in the know. The annual Momentum Awards program celebrates the best of Downtown (we like to call them “brand exemplars”) by paying tribute to the people, projects and organizations that help make it a remarkable urban experience. In 2007, the BID launched a series of working papers to foster dialogue about critical issues affecting Downtown’s continued growth and development.

Branding

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In 2007, the Downtown BID launched a brand repositioning platform that provides a new vocabulary for conveying Downtown’s unique character and identity. A comprehensive program set high standards for marketing and promoting the area and its assets as vibrant, inviting and smart. While the organizational focus remains on basic “clean, safe and friendly” services – the hallmark of business improvement districts across the country – as characterized by the Downtown SAM corps, the new brand serves to guide us in delivering programs, services, insights and tools to maximize Downtown’s economic, social and cultural competitiveness.
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Banner Program

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The Downtown BID manages a comprehensive program for street banners. The BID banner program:

• identifies the Downtown BID service area;
• adds color and vitality to the Downtown streetscape;
• publicizes a diverse array of events, activities and attractions that draw people into Downtown DC.

Downtown street banners are an extremely cost-effective way to convey information about special events and activities. A wide range of groups is eligible to submit applications to use Downtown street banners to publicize their events. LEARN MORE >

Pedestrian Perception Study

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The BID conducts a Pedestrian Perception Study bi-annually to measure attitudes about the area’s vibrancy, safety and attractiveness. The study shows that nearly all the attitudes that pedestrians hold about Downtown DC are positive. An impressive 71% said it is safe, has a variety of things to do, has great people watching and is clean and attractive . In keeping with the new branding vision, there also is strong agreement that Downtown is “vibrant” (77%) and smart as demonstrated by “a leading urban environment” (67%).  MORE >