Business Improvement District (BID) Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a Business Improvement District?
A: Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) are geographically defined areas in which property owners agree to pay an assessment in addition to property taxes to fund privately-operated cleaning, security and marketing services. These services supplement those provided by City government. Wilmington's BID is 70 square blocks.

Q: Why do we have a BID?
A: BIDs have proven time and again to help in reducing crime and to spark increased retail activity. Cleaner streets and sidewalks help this process. BIDs help to create more competitive downtowns by making people feel safe, secure and comfortable about living, working, shopping and enjoying the social and cultural amenities that downtowns offer.

Q: What is Downtown Visions?
A: Downtown Visions is the management company for Wilmington's Downtown Business Improvement District. In June 1994, House Bill 387, sponsored by State Representative Joe DiPinto, passed in the Delaware General Assembly which allowed the creation of business improvement districts. In September of that year, City Council passed an ordinance, sponsored by then-council President James M. Baker. This legislation created Wilmington's Downtown Business Improvement District (WDBID), a private, nonprofit organization. The company is now in its 12th year of operation.