The BID Board and staff are working on the 2011 budget and Operating Plan. The BID assessment rate ($15 per lineal foot of frontage) has not increased in eleven years, while the assessed value of commercial property in Madison increased more than 80%, and the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased 21%. Despite budget cuts and outside fundraising, we project that BID can’t continue the same service level in 2011 as in 2010. We need either to cut services, raise the assessment, or find additional outside funds. We ask for your feedback as the Board determines budget and priorities for 2011.

BID Annual Meeting report, summarizing 2010 BID services and budget: http://www.visitdowntownmadison.com/uploads/media/BID_AnnMeet2010_Web.pdf

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* 1. I am a (select one):

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* 2. The BID has identified the following options to close the projected 2011 funding gap. Which options do you support or not support? Please check one box per option.

  Strongly Support Support Oppose Strongly Oppose Not Sure
Floral Programs: Cut Spring Pansies, April-June in planter tubs on State St. & Cap Square radial blocks. Result: Planters tubs empty except for summer annuals late June-Sep. (NB: Hanging basket program has already been cut, with number of baskets reduced from ’09).
Holiday Trolley: Cut trolley which runs on State St. & Cap Square weekends Thanksgiving to Christmas & during Holiday Open House. In ‘09, trolley had 3,000 riders (13% increase over ‘08) and generated $18,500 value in public relations ad equivalency.
Marketing: Reduce subsidized co-op ads available to businesses, and cut support of events such as Maxwell Street Days and Holiday Open House. (Marketing budget was cut in ‘09 and ’10. Number co-op opportunities now half that of ‘08).
Ambassador Program: Cut staffing and projected hours in new year-round Visitor Center by 30%.
Business Recruitment Marketing Piece: Cancel update of ’07 data with ‘10 census & other data.
Increase to BID assessment not to exceed 4%. (Property Owners: Your BID assessment is listed as “CENTRAL BID DIST” under “Specials” on property tax bill.

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* 3. Outside funding sources:

Outside funding typically makes up 30% of the BID annual budget. The BID raises outside funds, in-kind donations and added value:

• Map Advertising
• Hanging Basket Program fund via Madison Parks Foundation
• Sponsorships of events and promotions (e.g., Holiday Open House, holiday trolley bags)
• Donations (e.g., MGE support of holiday lights and hanging basket program)
• Grants (e.g., Keep America Beautiful Cigarette Litter Prevention program)
• University of Wisconsin and other tax-exempt entities in the BID
• Volunteer Ambassador hours (i.e., wage equivalent)
• Donated/discounted advertising and other services
• Public relations and media coverage generates ad equivalency added value


Please list any suggestions (and contacts) you have for other outside funding sources:

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* 4. Other Comments and Suggestions:

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* 5. Your Contact Information:

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* 6. Would like to receive weekly “BID Update” email newsletters?

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* 7. Would you like more information about BID? If so, we will contact you soon.

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