Property Owners Vote to Continue Madison’s Central Business Improvement District (BID)
(Madison, WI) - Madison’s Central Business Improvement District (BID) will continue for another five years (2019-2020), based on results of a property owner vote certified on 7/26/19 by the Madison City Clerk’s Office.
A Business Improvement District (BID) is a special assessment district authorized by state statute. A BID enables commercial property owners to establish a special assessment, and to use the funds to enhance and promote business within the district. Nationwide, there are more than 1,000 BIDs. In Wisconsin, there are more than 85 BIDs in communities of all sizes.
Private sector leaders created Madison’s Central BID in 1999. The district encompasses the greater State Street and Capitol Square area, and remains Madison’s first and only BID. It operates on a rolling five-year sunset, which was renewed in 2004, 2009, 2015 and again today. The BID is governed by a 20-member Board which represents district property and business owners and stakeholders. The BID has two full-time staff persons plus programming and seasonal employees.
Madison’s Central BID supports the economic health and vitality of the central downtown. BID programs and services—over and above what the city provides—support 370 retail, restaurant, service and entertainment businesses in the greater State Street and Capitol Square areas. The BID markets downtown as one contiguous area – a very special shopping, dining and entertainment destination.
Services provided by the BID include:
• Distribution and creation of the Downtown Madison Map & Guide – 150,000+ distributed annually
• Manage visitdowntownmadison.com website and social media channels – includes a robust business directory, event details and parking info
• Host special retail events - the Madison Night Market, Downtown Madison Family Halloween and Downtown Holiday Open House
• Run the Information Ambassador Program – a mix of paid and volunteer staff helps 40 – 50,000 downtown customers annually
• Communicate and outreach with city – represent property owners in areas such as construction and parking
• Downtown Madison Gift Certificate Program – more than 125 businesses benefit from this one-stop gift certificate option
• Create a welcoming place to visit – manage planting programs, Holiday Lights, artwork installations and other decorations
“We are very pleased that property owners have again affirmed the value of the BID. The BID Board and staff look forward to continuing to work to contribute to the economic health and vitality of our vibrant downtown,” said Tiffany Kenney, BID Executive Director.