How to Start a Business Improvement District
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A Business Improvement District (BID) is a partnership in which property and business owners elect to make a collective contribution to the maintenance, development and promotion of their commercial district. 

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Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) and similarly, Special Improvement Districts (SIDs), can be a valuable tool in revitalizing a city’s central commercial district. These districts operate in a clearly delineated area within which property owners are subject to a fee to fund maintenance and public improvements. They operate as nonprofit 501(c)(4) organizations, public-private partnerships, or city agencies.  read more

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Economic Impacts of Main Street in Michigan
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For every $1 invested in the statewide Main Street Center, Michigan Main Street districts saw downtown building investment of $67.

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This report measures and catalogs the successes of the Main Street Approach™ in communities throughout Michigan. The Main Street Approach™ is an economic development strategy that focuses on historic preservation and building upon a community’s authentic sense of place. read more

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Historic Preservation Tax Credits
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Historic buildings are assets to smaller legacy cities – but funding their renovation can be difficult.

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Smaller legacy cities are often rich with history, but lack the funding to rehabilitate their historic assets into something that can drive downtown revitalization. One tool that has worked successfully across the country is the Federal Historic Preservation Tax credit. The program has leveraged over $84 billion in private investment since 1976. read more

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The Guidebook for Redeveloping Commercial Vacant Properties
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Commercial vacant properties in legacy cities present both unique challenges and promise. 
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Smaller legacy cities are often burdened by vacant and abandoned properties. Many resources exist to assist in dealing with residential vacancy, but few address commercial vacancy – which is just as prevalent in these cities. read more

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