10 Reasons to Support the Reauthorization of the Hartford BID

1. SAFER STREETS - The daily presence of the BID’s Security Ambassadors provides a reassuring presence to employees, residents and visitors who frequent the District. Aggressive panhandling in the District has decreased because of the presence of our security team.

2. INCREASED POLICE PRESENCE - As a direct result of the BID, the Hartford Police Department has inserted three new beats and two new patrol areas in the District. In addition, a HPD Deputy Chief attends regular monthly BID Board meetings.

3. CLEANER STREETS - BID Cleaning Ambassadors pick up more than 100,000 pounds of litter and debris each year. Recent budget cuts by City Public Works and other departments make the day-to-day work of the on-street BID clean team vital.

4. GRAFFITI REMOVAL - Prior to the existence of the BID, the District was a popular place for graffiti vandals. Today, graffiti is almost non-existent, and when it does appear, our Cleaning Ambassadors remove it within 24 hours.

5. COLLECTIVE VOICE - Through the BID, the property owners have a collective voice with City Hall.

6. FOCUSED ATTENTION - The sole focus of the BID is the economic vitality and competitiveness of Downtown Hartford and Asylum Hill. The organization exists to serve the interests of its property owners.

7. TARGETED MARKETING - The BID is committed to marketing the District to metro Hartford and beyond. Through a strong online presence, social networking, event production and traditional media, the BID is dedicated to positioning the District as the best place to work and play in our region.

8. RAPID RESPONSE- The BID has the ability to address and resolve issues with short notice. If a good idea is suggested that can benefit the property owners, we can implement it quickly without bureaucratic red tape.

9. ORGANIZATIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY – The BID is accountable to its property owners. A sunset clause ensures that the BID never loses sight of its core purpose. The property owners have direct control over the policies and direction of the organization.

10. WEATHERING THE STORM - The BID provides baseline services that are critical to downtown revitalization. It’s important that the central business district be properly positioned to flourish when economic times improve.