Latest news with #BusinessImprovementDistricts
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Private governments coming to an area near you
Lake Tahoe on April 22, 2024. (Photo: Jeff Anderson/ USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service) Imagine you want to create and control a large pool of capital predominantly financed by grants and other people's money. Simply define a geographic boundary, let's call it a 'district,' and get a few business colleagues to decide what mandatory fee or compulsory assessment you're going to collect to benefit your private business agendas. Next, petition a state senator and county commissioner; most are eager to curry favor with deep-pocketed business donors. Create a nonprofit to which you will funnel the dollars. Small business owners will be required to collect the fee at the point of sale in your district. You hold the cards because you've engineered the framework and set the fee percentage. Sounds a bit Sopranos-like, doesn't it? Schemes like this – blandly called Business Improvement Districts or BIDs – are undemocratic but legal ways to levy fees (effectively a sales tax when businesses pass the cost of the fees on to consumers) that benefit the few over the many. BIDs first appeared in the 1970s, but have become a controversial power grab for business interests and developers in recent years to finance tourism destination dreams and pet projects outside of public control or view. BIDs represent a particular risk for unincorporated areas because there are no elected mayors or city councils to hold public meetings or be answerable. All citizens and small business owners should be concerned. A few influential businesses or developers can band together and force new recurring costs on an entire community – tacked on at the point of sale. Worse still, the International Journal of Public Administration noted: 'BIDs have arisen as a new form of 'private government.' As they expand their menus of services, often including land-use planning, and approaching more general-purpose government status, BIDs have begun to raise issues of accountability.' Where might you begin such a monetary diversion maneuver in Nevada? Follow the play book of Nevada Democratic state Sen. Skip Daly, who, at the behest of unelected people – such as Julie Regan, executive director of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA), tourism executive Andy Chapman, now Chair of the Tahoe Transportation District, and TRPA government affairs manager Devin Middlebrook along with legal consulting firm Civitas Advisers – successfully advanced a BID proposal to a panel of his fellow legislators during an interim meeting last year. Put forward by TRPA (a bi-state agency with lots of political sway), their business cronies who will determine BID details — such as where to draw geographic boundaries, how much to levy and where to spend funds — also promoted the bill. If this is the first time you've heard about this fast-moving state legislation, Senate bill 420, that's by design. Tax-like enabling legislation that will negatively impact constituent wallets is best kept under wraps. SB420 needs state-level approval because there's no existing legal path to create a BID in unincorporated portions of a Nevada county. Existing Nevada law (like NRS 271A for Tourism Improvement Districts) focuses on cities and municipal projects. As called out in the Lake Tahoe Destination Stewardship plan (p. 38), 'legislation would need to be pursued' as 'there is currently no statute enabling this sort of improvement district in Nevada,' Hence, testimony from Chapman, President and CEO of Travel North Tahoe Nevada, on April 4: 'Senate Bill 420 will create the ability for local businesses within the Nevada portion of the Tahoe Basin to petition the relevant county to create a Business Improvement District (known as a BID), which could only be created with the support of the business community AND approval by the County Commission.' The goal for this improvement district mechanism is to create a long-term funding solution for issues in Nevada's Lake Tahoe area. This type of improvement district legislation exists already in California. As written SB420's BID model is funded through the levy of assessments on business. However, it's not clear what businesses this bill will encompass or exempt. Section 6.1 defines 'business' as all types of businesses, including, without limitations financial institutions and professions.' That means if a business license address lies inside the proposed boundary, that business license holder could be assessed. SB420 includes a broad scope of what activities can be undertaken, but residents don't have a voice. If signed into law, SB420 could create a template in Nevada for future quasi-governmental taxation in counties, virtually unregulated by the legislature or department of taxation. If other broadly written BIDs elsewhere are any indication, more surprises lie ahead. Residents of Rochester, New York, characterized a proposed BID there 'as a shadow government.' While told that businesses would pay for the BID, reporters learned, as residents suspected, it would be mostly taxpayers who would fund the BID managed by 17 'movers and shakers in business and political circles' — members of a nonprofit established to control the Rochester BID. BIDs are hard to undo. When formed BIDs become legal special districts, in Nevada's case, under state law. Dissolving a BID, governed by a management plan written by consultants like Civitas who obtain multi-year contracts, usually requires approval from the same body that created it. Who likes to relinquish money and power? Businesses – particularly tourism outfits with multiple locations or headquartered elsewhere – can get away with charging added fees because of high-turnover visitors. BID members can even use money generated by the fees to market themselves. Self-dealing at its worst. Residents who shop, dine or recreate within a 'district' always pay the fee. Communities effectively subsidize private agendas. Residents in San Diego revealed how Civitas' founder has a history of creating legal loopholes (p. 14). Civitas Advisors as of March 2013 had pocketed $546,016 and counting from San Diego alone; lawsuits followed. The Sacramento-based firm has expanded overseas but now wants to make Nevada its newest client. SB420 took shape August 16 at the interim Legislative Committee for the Review and Oversight of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and the Marlette Lake Water System. None of Northern Nevadans' public concerns about public safety and the environment are mentioned or considered in the recommendations for legislation. Instead Daly, at the sixth and final meeting along with other legislators, agreed to advance TRPA's wish list, including the BID legislation. In the meeting (1:51:24 on the recording), Civitas – the legal firm that stands to profit handsomely to administer BIDs – testified, not surprisingly, in support of it. Senator Robin Titus (minutes, p.16), however, saw the scheme for what it is: 'I am going to be a 'no' on this when it comes to a vote. I truly cannot accept—I think [it's] a taxation.' Assemblymember Ken Gray shared the concerns: 'I want to echo Senator Titus' comments as well.' Citizens (not business owners) who participated in the April 4 Senate working session opposed the BID legislation and its lack of specificity. BID activities in SB420 include promotion of events, marketing and economic development, transportation and other services that confer 'benefit upon assessed businesses in the district.' If this isn't a tax why does the state legislature need to have a bill that involves the Department of Taxation to facilitate what businesses should be managing or funding on their own. Is SB420 really in the best interests of Nevada residents? This should be a red flag for other state legislatures who've been lobbied to create similar legislation. Transportation alone is a heavy lift. Even the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration agrees. Among BID disadvantages it lists: 'BIDs are not public agencies and cannot be directed to accomplish transportation goals, services or facilities desired by elected officials and agencies. 'BIDs, as private entities, will not fund public goods or services that provide benefits outside the BID boundaries. Also due to sunset provisions, they are not typically structured to facilitate the development of large infrastructure facilities that require financing.' Many residents first read the SB420 language amendments only after the bill was advanced out of committee as one of 48 bills reviewed by the Senate Government Affairs Committee April 11. No matter; public comment was reserved for the end of the meeting after voting had ended. Two senators, Lisa Rogich and Lisa Krasner, went on record to say they reserved the right to change their vote later. Rogich went further, 'I'm hoping the parties can continue to have conversations with the community and get the residents on board.'
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Mick Martin's feel-good Northern Soul show coming to Blackburn club
A new feel-good play is set to tour three non-theatre spaces in "Northern Soul strongholds," including Blackburn. Keep On Keepin' On, created by Bradford-based writer Mick Martin and from theatre company Northern Soul Productions, aims to connect independent retailers with local authorities and Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) to spark conversations. The play highlights the challenges faced by independent retailers through the story of a working-class family. The production hopes to combine entertainment with a mission to reinvigorate the high street and nighttime economies. The high-energy comedy is a sequel to Mr Martin's 2003 play, Once Upon a Time in Wigan. It follows his teenage dreamers, now middle-aged, as they juggle co-parenting, a failing Northern Soul-themed discount shop, and a risky scheme. Northern Soul Productions will collaborate with local partners to deliver outreach and workshops to connect audiences with local BIDs and give retailers a platform to voice their needs to local authorities. The hope is that these discussions will inform a business support programme to rejuvenate the high street. READ MORE: Blackburn town hall repairs needed to fix sub-standard past work Lancashire Telegraph Best Sandwich Shop: Suddell Sandwiches Brian Fletcher: Police share new image of missing man Mr Martin said: "Keep On Keepin' On is about the modern-day Northern Soul scene and the changing faces of the towns that spawned it. "It's a play about now, family, and love, about people struggling to keep it together in these dark and straitened times at the working-class coalface of dysfunctional northern Britain. "That's why we want to bring it to high street spaces rather than traditional theatre venues. "We're hoping that, in each town on our tour, the play helps to start conversations with their communities and bring new audiences to the theatre and the high street." The play will be performed at St Paul's Working Men's Club in Blackburn from May 21 to 24, commencing at 7pm each night. Tickets are £16, or £12 for concessions. For more information, please visit
BBC News
11-03-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Truro: City clean-up operation brings locals together
People in Cornwall have joined forces as part of a clean-up operation in the county's only Friday and Saturday, Business Improvement Districts (BIDS) from Truro and Newham, along with several firms, organisations, and community groups all worked to tidy and litter pick in also spent time cable-tie cutting, removing stickers, and washing signs in the city, as well as cleaning local green City Council said a total of 64 bags of rubbish were collected across the event, with around 80 people taking part. Local 'pride' A Business Improvement District (BID) scheme is described as giving firms the power to "raise funds locally to be spent locally" on improving their trading environment or trading BID Manager, Alun Jones said: "We are delighted that some of Truro's businesses and organisations gave up their time and volunteered for City Clean Richardson, BID Manager for Newham, said: "We're very grateful to all the business volunteers who have made Newham look and feel tidier and who have taken pride in their local area."Damien Richards, from the council, said: "Community litter picks are more than keeping an area clean, it is a way to bring the community together."Truro BID is planning another City Clean Up for next spring 2026.
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Equality Chamber partners with Achieve More, Equality Chamber Foundation for WorldPride, more
WASHINGTON () — With WorldPride 2025 on the horizon, several groups in the DMV have their sights set on what comes after the celebration of the LGBTQ+ community that takes place in D.C. from March 28 to June 8. Among those groups are Achieve More LLC, Equality Chamber of Commerce (ECC), and Equality Chamber Foundation (ECF). Together, they are part of the initiative WorldPride DC 2025 and Beyond: Building a Safe and Equal Downtown DC for All. Countdown to WorldPride: Music festival lineup announced The combined effort is meant to engage businesses in the Downtown, Golden Triangle, and Dupont Circle Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) by providing resources, training, and technical support to increase LGBTQ+ inclusion, safety, and economic opportunities. Achieve More, ECC, and ECF intend to 'create a welcoming and vibrant environment for all during WorldPride DC 2025 and beyond' through outreach, training, and a business accelerator. 'As we prepare for WorldPride DC 2025, we are committed to building a lasting legacy and fostering a business community that champions equality, safety, and accessibility for all,' said Patrick Algyer, Executive Director of Equality Chamber of Commerce and Equality Chamber Foundation. New 'Pride Lives Here' LGBTQ+ vehicle tag arrives in DC Businesses interested in getting invovled can email mariama@ People who would like to volunteer to be part of the Business Boosters squad can . Squad members help with outreach, raise awareness, and encourage businesses to participate in WorldPride DC 2025. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
