As the Streetscape Project was wrapping up in July, the Partnership was applying for grant funds to organize and pursue a Business Improvement District (BID). The grant application was recently awarded! A BID is a tax district, which levies commercial property taxes within the district to fund physical improvements and other business support and economic development activity. Other BID’s in Denver include a new district recently created along portions of West and East Colfax, South Broadway (Englewood), Old South Gaylord, and several others. A BID can be a significant tool in supporting business and economic growth within a local community.
The initial proposed BID geographic area is generally defined by W. 23rd to 26th Avenues along Federal and W. 25th Avenue to Eliot Street. The application was funded by Denver’s Office of Economic Development, with funds from the Community Development Block Grant program. The project will occur in 2012, beginning in late January. The BID project involves a multi-step process to research, organize stakeholders, define the BID (boundaries, scope, budget and timelines), affirm property owner and community support and seek Denver City Council creation of the district.
To pursue the project, the Partnership will contract with two firms and/or individuals to provide specific services; a BID Consultant and Project Manager. Both positions will provide direct services for efforts involved in BID creation. The BID Consultant will provide the knowledge, experience and expertise in all aspects of organizing and creating a BID. The Project Manager will assist the BID Consultant, represent the Partnership’s interests and be responsible for various aspects of public outreach and managing the project. Full position announcements with submittal requirements can be downloaded from the upper right hand column of the Partnership’s Home page Web site.
The Partnership’s Web site will be used to help disseminate information about the project, keeping everyone informed of public meetings, progress reports and events. Please check back frequently for updates!
