What is a BIA? A BIA is a geographic area in a municipality. Each BIA has a board of management which is an organization set up to provide business promotion and improvement functions. A BIA allows local business people and property owners to join together and with the support of the municipality, organize, finance and carry out physical improvement and promote economic development in their distri
ct. The local municipality is the body responsible for approving the budget of the BIA. What is the purpose of a BIA? The main purposes of a BIA are to revitalize and maintain a dynamic local neighbourhood and to promote the area as a business or shopping destination. While a major goal of revitalization and retention is to encourage both local residents and others to spend their shopping dollars within the local commercial district, all businesses and residents in the area may benefit as well. Revitalization and maintenance create a cleaner, safer and more congenial atmosphere that benefits all local businesses. It also benefits professional service firms, whose clientele can enjoy the local atmosphere as part of their trip to the doctor, dentist, lawyer or accountant. The same is true for entertainment and dining establishments which benefit from the increase in local traffic and the improved atmosphere that results from the presence of a BIA. Further activity is needed beyond just beautification and promotion, although both are important elements of any comprehensive improvement effort. A concerted effort is also required on the part of the BIA leadership to develop a network of relationships and partnerships among local community groups (schools, churches, citizen groups etc.) and institutions (Chamber of Commerce, committees of council etc.). The key to the success of any BIA lies in establishing and maintaining this network. It is only through the combined effort of all local community groups that a BIA can truly be successful. Revitalization and maintenance often includes defining an identity for the local community. This identity is then used as a means to further promote the local community as an interesting and unique business area. In some cases, leaders of the BIA (the board of management) become a line of communication between the community and the local municipal council. The BIA forum can be used as a vehicle for conveying community concerns to council and, for prompting council to pursue policies and activities that will promote and strengthen the community and its unique identity.
