Creating a Business Improvement District (BID)

Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) have been important partners in the economic development of New York City for more than 20 years. From central business districts to local shopping areas, BIDs make valuable contributions to the life of New York City's neighborhoods. Establishing a new BID is a serious effort that involves the work of local businesses, public officials and other community stakeholders.

This section of the Serivces for Neighborhood Organization website outlines each step of the BID formation process and gives advice on creating a successful new BID, cost-efficiently and time-effectively.

The steps involved in creating a BID can be divided into three phases:

• Steps 1 - 7: Planning
• Steps 8 - 11: Outreach
• Step 12: Legislative Authorization

These 12 distinct steps are outlined in the left-hand navigation bar. Each step outlines the actions items needed to complete that step. You will be responsible for documenting the entire planning and outreach effort and submitting that documentation to the Department of Small Business Services (SBS) before the legislative authorization process begins.

SBS will review your documentation at that point to determine whether the proposed BID is ready to proceed, and if so, will lead you through the remainder of the BID creation process.

Three important points:

1. Read through the entire "Creating a BID" section of the District Development Online Resource before formally beginning the process so that you have a good understanding of the project workflow.

2. Templates and examples of certain documents are available for download throughout this resource.

3. This online resource is designed to supplement, not replace the assistance you will receive from SBS staff. A member of SBS’s staff will be assigned to assist and advise you along the way. This individual will be your most important resource. BID formation poses different challenges in every proposed district, and the staff member assigned to your project can help you deal with the unique challenges you may encounter.