In a special joint meeting of the Board of Directors and BID members held Wednesday, March 7, 2007, the Downtown BID successfully completed its first steps towards reauthorization for another five years. The Board of Directors approved the new business plan and a change in the base tax rate for hotels unanimously. The membership voted by an overwhelming majority to pass both proposals. Mayor Fenty will hold a public hearing on the BID’s reauthorization later this year, while both the Mayor and the City Council must approve the tax rate increase for hotels.
The city law establishing business improvement districts provides for a 20-year term, following a successful petition process every five years. Formed in 1997, the Downtown DC BID was renewed in 2002 and recently began the process to apply for its 2007 legislative renewal.
Since its inception, the BID has delivered a high level of daily cleaning, maintenance, safety and hospitality services that property owners, tenants, residents and visitors have come to expect. Our homeless program moves more than 30 people per month off the streets. We work continuously toward upgrading street amenities, and since 2000, have been able to leverage an initial $500,000 investment in streetscape-related activities into more than $30 million in total improvements. The marketing program brings investors and consumers to Downtown through branding, events, promotions and communications. In addition, the BID works closely with the municipal and federal governments, as well as other organizations, to support programs that retain and expand businesses. In recent years, we have expanded our mission by providing services, research and other information resources to business, cultural, retail and residential tenants to assist in diversifying the economy.
In the ensuing years since the BID’s inception, Downtown DC has re-emerged as the cultural and entertainment center of the region. It is once again a place that creates memorable experiences because of its unique role and character. As part of the renewal process, the Downtown BID is looking to the future, towards creating a Downtown experience that is truly innovative, inspirational and inclusive. We plan to do this by remaining focused on basic “clean, safe and friendly” services, as characterized by our safety and maintenance workers (SAMs), for the ultimate purpose of bringing greater value for everyone by providing programs, services, insights and tools to maximize Downtown’s economic, social and cultural competitiveness.
The BID is extremely grateful for the support we’ve received from the Downtown community over the last nine years. Please click here to view a copy of the five-year business plan extending the life of the Downtown BID through fiscal years 2008 to 2012.