About Madison's Central BID
Formed in 1999, Madison's Central Business Improvement District (BID) is a City of Madison assessment district encompassing State Street (from Park Street to the Capitol Square) and the Capitol Square area (the Square plus most 100 block streets or “spokes” off the Square).
Located on an isthmus between two beautiful lakes, and anchored by the Wisconsin State Capitol and the University of Wisconsin campus, this unique shopping, dining, entertainment and business district is home to hundreds of shops, boutiques, galleries, restaurants, pubs and taverns, many locally-owned, plus museums and cultural destinations.
The BID works to market the district as a whole, create a welcoming downtown environment, and further community relations. The BID liaises between district businesses and property owners, the City of Madison, and other downtown stakeholder groups including Downtown Madison, Inc. (DMI), the Greater State Street Business Association (GSSBA), the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the Downtown Coordinating Committee, Capitol Neighborhoods, downtown arts and cultural organizations, and others.
BID funds are used for marketing, business recruitment and retention, enhancements such as downtown art, holiday lights, and flower planters, an Ambassador program and a Downtown Map & Guide. Sponsorships and advertising revenues are used to extend the funding available for BID services and programs.
The BID Board of Directors is appointed by the Mayor, and includes district property and business owners, a downtown Alder, a Mayor's Office representative, and downtown residents. There are three full-time BID employees, an Executive Director and an Operations Director, a Programming Coordinators plus part-time and volunteer Ambassadors.
Programs, Events & Services
BID Goal
The goal of Madison's Central BID is to increase the vitality and health of the district and promote business within it. The constituents are the property and business owners within the district.
It is not intended as a substitute for City services (such as Mall Maintenance).
Programs
- New Resident Welcome Bag
- Special Event Welcome Tables
- Downtown Map & Guide
- Shop & Stroll Events
- Downtown Possibilities eGifts
- District Marketing and Promotion
Events
- Lunar New Year Celebration
- Madison Night Market
- Summer in YOUR City
- YOUR Lunchtime Live Concert Series
- Madison Night Market
- Family Halloween
- Shine On Madison
- Holiday Open House
Services
Board
2025 Board of Directors
Josh Berkson (Chair)
King Street Business Owner
Founder and CEO, Rule No. One Hospitality
Mead Bradley
Capitol Square Property Owner
Director – Property Management and Operations, Urban Land Interests
Josey Chu
State Street Business Owner
Owner, Madame Chu Delicacies
Kirstin DeMartino
UW Madison Chancellor's Representative
Director, UW Madison Campus and Visitor Relations
Heather Ewing
At Large Central Downtown Representative
Abstract Commercial Real Estate
Emily Gruenewald (Vice Chair)
Tax Exempt Entity Representative
Chief Development and Communications Officer,
Overture Center for the Arts
Akash Goda
UW-Associated Students of Madison Representative
MGR Govindarajan
*
District 8 Alder
Madison Common Council
Peggy Gunderson (Immediate Past Chair)
DMI Representative
President, Strategic Brand Marketing
Jason Ilstrup
*
President, Downtown Madison, Inc.
Jacqueline Iribarren
State Street - Business Owner
Owner, Rethreads
Nick Newlin
At Large Member
Principal/Vice President, Shine United Advertising
Will Ochowicz
District 2 Alder
Madison Common Council
Saran Ouk
*
City of Madison Office of Business Resources
City of Madison Economic Development
Jason Salus (Treasurer)
Capitol Square - Property Owner
General Manager, Best Western Premier Park Hotel
Stacey Scannell (Secretary)
State Street - Property Owner
Owner, The Soap Opera
Angela Titus
Capitol Square - Property Owner
Chief Program Officer, Wisconsin Historical Society
Mike Verveer
*
District 4 Alder
Madison Common Council
Vic Villacrez
Downtown Resident
Brad Werntz
West Main Street - Property or Business Owner
Owner, Boulder's Climbing Gym
*non-voting members
Meetings & Agendas
BID Board Meetings
The BID Board meets the 1st Thursday of the month.
Meetings are held from Noon-1:30 pm, Hovde Building, 122 W. Washington Ave., 1st fl. Conference Rm. Madison, WI
If you need an interpreter, material in alternate formats or other accommodations to access this service, activity or program, please contact the BID office at 608-512-1340 at least 3 business days in advance.
Board meetings are open meetings, and BID business and property owners are invited and encouraged to attend. You are welcome to speak/provide public comment at the meeting. Please fill out a speaker registration form and give to the Board chair before the meeting.
BID Board Agendas & Minutes
Madison's Central Business Improvement District agendas are on file with the City of Madison.
For copies of the BID Board Agendas or Minutes please contact BID Operations Director Tim Jenquin at tjenquin@visitdowntownmadison.com.
Operating Plan
City Approved Operating Plan
Recertification Letter to Property Owners -
Open PDF
2024/25 Annual Meeting Agenda -
Open PDF
2025/25 Annual Meeting Presentation -
Open Slide Show
2024/25 Budget Review -
Open PDF
BID State Statute
Wisconsin State Statutes requires that the BID Board be composed of at least five members and that a majority of the Board members shall either own or occupy real property in the District. If the actual property or business owner is an entity, that entity shall designate a representative to act on its behalf. The Board is responsible for the implementation of the operating plan. This requires the Board to negotiate with providers of services and materials to carry out the operating plan; to enter into various contracts; to monitor the effectiveness of the District's activities; to aid compliance with the provisions of applicable statutes and regulations; and to make reimbursements for any overpayments of District assessments.