By Gina Trechter, Civitas
Whether you are renewing or forming a Business Improvement District (BID), it’s is imperative to start the process early to establish timely funding and to ensure uninterrupted activities. There are many unknown variables in the process that could potentially cause a delay – Below are some tips to help you get through the process timely and seamlessly:
Plan ahead – Based on a study conducted by Civitas and SMG, the BID process takes 10-12 months on average. If you are renewing a district the process can take as little as 6 months. Meanwhile, formations have been known to take upwards of 12-18 months in some cases. Some factors that influence the timeline include: district size, the amount of outreach that has been done with stakeholders, establishing consensus amongst the stakeholders, and navigating the political approval process.
Early renewal allows a buffer between when the current district expires and when the new district goes into effect. A disruption in district activities could be devastating. It is imperative to give time for any possible bumps in the road.
Establish a relationship – Whether forming or renewing a district, it is critical to establish good relationships with City Staff and stakeholders.
In a survey conducted by Civitas and SMG, fifty-four percent of districts revealed that one of the biggest challenges they faced during the process was educating stakeholders. To overcome this, we recommend conducting multiple outreach meetings and individual meetings with key stakeholders – establishing that line of communication with the owners is crucial for a unified and expeditious process.
City staff members are also key components to the process. You should take the time to know the key players that you will be working with and who will aid you through the city process. This could include the City Clerk’s Office, the City Attorney, Mayor, Councilman, or the Economic Development department. The City will need to approve your district, so it is essential they understand your vision and purpose for the district.
Hire a consultant – Consultants can ensure the effort is led by individuals with expertise in the BID process. With their in-depth knowledge and experience in BID formation, consultants can assist in all aspects of the process, including but not limited to: facilitating outreach meetings and focus groups with stakeholders and City Staff, drafting of legal documents, consensus building, navigating the City Council process and providing assistance in overcoming formation obstacles.
Depending on the type of district, you may also need to hire an Engineer and conduct an Intercept Survey. We recommend you identify your consultants early, to ensure the steps in the process are conducted in a timely manner.
