What is a BIA?

A Business Improvement Area (BIA) is an association of business people within a specified district who join together, with official approval of the City, in a self-help program aimed at stimulating local business.

They have agreed to share the expense of ongoing effort to draw more prospective customers to their area by making various improvements to the area and promoting it as a good place to shop, visit and do business. 

Once a BIA is approved by City Council, every business within its boundaries automatically becomes a member. There are no exceptions, under the principle that all who benefit should be required to bear their fair share of the cost of the program. 

While a BIA arises from the retail and professional activities of a main street, it has a profound effect on the surrounding area. It serves as an economic and social anchor, helping to stabilize and revitalize the local community. 

How does a BIA work?

A BIA is run by a volunteer Board of Management elected from its members. The Board is nominated at an Annual General Meeting and, once approved by City Council, serves a four-year term concurrent with the term of Council. The Board works on behalf of its BIA and meets regularly to develop budgets, set priorities, implement capital improvements, plan festivals, and promote its business area.

How is a BIA funded?

Once the budget is approved by the BIA members and ratified by City Council, funds are raised through a levy on all commercial and industrial properties within the BIA's boundary. Calculation of this levy is based on the proportionate value of each property's commercial and/or industrial assessment. Once the levy is collected by the City, the funds are returned to the BIA to manage.