Business Improvement Districts

Since1995, Albany has seen the creation of three Business Improvement Districts (BID). They are the Downtown Albany BID, which was formed in 1996; the Lark Street BID, which was also formed in 1996; and the Central BID, which was created in 1997.  A BID is a public/private partnership through which a special assessment is used to finance improvements or services within a designated commercial area. In simple terms, it is a self-help program activated by self-imposed assessment. Property and business owners form BIDs to provide enhanced services in order to reverse the deterioration of their urban business environment and to compete more effectively with suburban malls. Property owners, merchants and residents in a district agree to be assessed for improvements or services, beyond those already provided by municipal government, that will benefit only those propertied included in the district. The municipality collects the funds for the BID and turns them over in their entirety to the BID. The BID Board, which is composed of property owners, merchants and residents, outlines how the funds will be spent.

While each Business Improvement District manages different areas of the City, and has varying missions, their overall goal is similar. Albany's BIDs assist in economic development, promote the businesses and services within their district, and create a clean, safe environment for workers, residents, and visitors.