A Business Improvement District or "BID" is a self-imposed and self-governed financing mechanism by which property and/or business tenants are levied a special assessment within a defined geographic area to fund supplemental common area improvements and services within that area. While a BID works in partnership with local government, a BID does not replace basic government services and is not part of local government.
According to state and city code, a BID can be established with support of the majority of future Ratepayers. The City of Spokane serves as the legislative authority and fiscal agent with an Advisory Board of Ratepayers overseeing the budget and programs and services that it funds. In most cases, BIDs are managed by private nonprofit organizations like the Downtown Spokane Partnership (DSP) that contract with the city to administer these programs and services.
According to state and city code, a BID can be established with support of the majority of future Ratepayers. The City of Spokane serves as the legislative authority and fiscal agent with an Advisory Board of Ratepayers overseeing the budget and programs and services that it funds. In most cases, BIDs are managed by private nonprofit organizations like the Downtown Spokane Partnership (DSP) that contract with the city to administer these programs and services.
While every BID is unique, including their assessment formula and services, there are similarities. Learn about the Downtown BID at DowntownSpokane.org.