City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: JUNE 7, 2017
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
FROM: MARK B. JINKS, CITY MANAGER /s/
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Introduction and First Reading. Passage on First Reading of an Ordinance to Create the Old Town Business Improvement Service District.
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ISSUE: Creation of the Old Town Business Improvement District (BID) Service District in Old Town.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council: (1) approve the proposed ordinance on first reading and set it for public hearing on June 24, 2017, and final passage on June 27, 2017;
(2) engage the BID District businesses, property owners, and residents in a robust discussion during the development of the BID's work plan, budget and any proposed BID District tax rate; and (3) request that the permanent BID Board of Directors (when established) prepare and submit to City Council by the end of 2017 a proposed work plan, budget and any proposed BID District tax rate.
BACKGROUND: The economic environment in the region has become increasingly competitive in recent years. Over the last decade several City sponsored groups and reports have recommended the exploration of a Business Improvement District (BID) as a tool to enhance the business environment in Old Town and ensure the long term sustainability of the properties and businesses located there. Examples include the 2009 King Street Retail Analysis, the findings of the Waterfront Commission Governance Subcommittee, and the 2016 MGM Readiness Task Force recommendations.
In May of 2016 a number of members of the business community came together in an effort to take those recommendations to the next step which is to put together the plan and process for the City to officially consider the creation of an Old Town Business Improvement District (BID). City Council allocated $25,000 in funding to the Alexandria Economic Development ...
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