On December 22, 1997, a local law was passed in accordance with Article 19-A of the New York State General Municipal Law establishing a “Business Improvement District” (B.I.D.) for Downtown Batavia.  This permitted a core group of downtown property owners and city officials to organize a formal downtown management association.

In March 1998, the Batavia Business Improvement District Management Association Incorporated was established as a 501(C)(6) not-for-profit corporation (municipal/business organization).  Its mission is to finance improvements and services beyond those provided by the City, and fund an operational budget for the purpose of revitalizing and promoting business activity.  In October 2013, the association changed its tax status to a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization. This was to enable the BID to apply for more grants.

The Batavia Business Improvement District is comprised of property owners and tenants.  It has a fourteen-member Board of Directors. There are twelve elected representatives from the district, and three city-appointed public representatives. The Board includes merchants, professionals, a municipal official and citizens that develop policy and provide leadership for the association.

COMMITTEES

Business Development

Focuses on identifying economic opportunities, strengthens existing businesses, recruits new ones, attracts new uses to the district, helps revitalize unused space, monitors economic progress and cultivates the entrepreneurial spirit.

Design

Responsible for any activity or effort that improves the appearance and enhances the overall image and condition of the Downtown. This includes the facades of buildings, streetscape projects, upper level housing and signage.

Promotions

Responsible for promoting the District’s unique characteristics to shoppers, investors, new businesses and visitors by an effective program that forges image through advertising, events and marketing campaigns.

We are always looking for interested volunteers to help with the planning and facilitating of our Downtown Events! If you would like to volunteer on any of our event committees please submit the form below and a Board Member will be in touch!