Business Improvement Districts (BIDs)

A Business Improvement District (BID) is a self-taxing district established by property owners to enhance the economic vitality of a specific commercial area. The tax is a surcharge on the real property tax liability. The tax is collected by the District of Columbia and all revenues are returned entirely to the nonprofit organization managing the BID. Business and property owners control the BID and how funds are spent. There are currently 12 BIDs in the District of Columbia.

The Department of Small and Local Business Development manages the certification of BIDs and the BID charter extension process.

BID Services

BID expenditures are used primarily for purchasing supplemental services, which could include:

• Maintaining commercial corridors through litter and graffiti removal and landscaping to supplement city services;

• Increasing security through the presence of ambassadors who walk the commercial district;

• Promoting the commercial district and the businesses operating therein;

• Providing homeless and youth services; and,

• Making capital improvements (e.g., street furniture, decorative lighting) to supplement city services

Current BIDs and CIDs

Currently, there are 12 established business improvement districts that provide programs that address commercial District-wide issues, e.g., cleanliness, maintenance, safety, promotion, economic development, and other collective business issues in their coverage areas.