New York City is home to the nation's largest, most comprehensive network of Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) in the country. The City's 66 BIDs annually invest close to $100 million worth of programs and services in neighborhoods across the five boroughs.

The NYC Department of Small Business Services is responsible for managing the City’s relationship with each BID and works to ensure BIDs carry out services efficiently by liaising with City agencies, promoting best practices and aggregating information about the programs, services and goals of each BID.  Each year our agency produces a two publications to help learn about BID activities and progress throughout the previous year.

"That's So New York:" Department of Small Business Services - Business Improvement Districts (BIDs).

Publications

The BID Annual Report Summary highlights the aggregate impact of BID programs and services and spotlights innovative initiatives occurring in BIDs throughout the City. 

Please visit the NYC Business Improvement District Directory for contact information and specific programs and services of each BID in New York City.

The 2009 Business Improvement District Spotlight Tour Series report  provides a summary of the six Spotlight events held over the past year, highlighting the innovative work that is occurring in some of the City’s most dynamic and exciting commercial corridors. 

Business Improvement Districts are a key public/ private partnership in New York City and have helped revitalize neighborhoods and catalyze economic development throughout the City. 

Establishing a Business Improvement District

A Business Improvement District is a formal organization made up of property owners and commercial tenants who are dedicated to promoting business development and improving an area's quality of life. BIDs deliver supplemental services such as sanitation and maintenance, public safety and visitor services, marketing and promotional programs, capital improvements, and beautification for the area - all funded by a special assessment paid by property owners within the district. Since their inception in the early 1980s, BIDs have supported and promoted the development of vibrant commercial districts through New York City. 

Any commercial, retail, or industrial area in New York City may apply to create a Business Improvement District by completing the planning, outreach and legislative approval process.  BIDs must be approved by the local Community Board, the City Planning Commission, the City Council, and the Mayor. SBS works with commercial property owners and businesses to assist them in forming BIDs.

Tools

Our agency has developed tools to help communities through the BID formation process.

The Step by Step Guide to forming a Business Improvement District will walk community leaders throught the process of determining whether or not a BID is appropriate for a specific community, and how to go about forming one.

The Introduction to BIDs brochure highlights key facts about BIDs in New York City. 

The objection form is the official form for submission to the City Clerk in filing an objection to the formation of a BID.

Contact Us

For more information about forming a Business Improvement District in New York City, complete the contact us form and a representative from our agency will be in touch to discuss the program.