Main Street Programs and Business Improvement Districts (BIDS)
Municipal Implementation Tool #002

Main Street Programs and Business Improvement Districts (BIDS)

Product No.: MIT002
Date Published: 10/2002

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If you would like to request a printed copy (or copies) of this product, please call DVRPC at 215-592-1800 or email the staff contact listed below. If you would like to request this publication or portion of this publication in another language or format, please fill out a request form.

This brochure is the second in a series of "implementation tools" brochures based on the recommendations in Horizons 2025, the region's long-range plan. This brochure covers basic information about Main Street Programs and Business Improvement Districts (BIDS), two highly effective tools for economic development and historic preservation. Each of these programs requires strong cooperation and involvement between the public and private sectors, citizens, business people and elected officials and a patient commitment to long-term economic revitalization. Main Street Programs and BIDS are designed to improve all aspects of the downtown by providing economic management, improving public participation and reinventing downtown areas attractive destinations.

Geographic Area Covered: 9-County Delaware Valley Region (Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties in Pennsylvania and Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Mercer Counties in New Jersey)

Key Words: Main Streets, economic development, historic preservation, four-point approach, Business Improvement Districts (BIDS), long-range planning, building codes, rehabilitation, redevelopment, Downtown Reinvestment, streetscape enhancements, strategic planning, transportation, marketing, property values and revitalization assistance and support.

Staff Contact(s)

Translation Request

DVRPC’s publications or portions of publications can be translated in alternative languages and formats if requested. To request translation, please submit the form below. You can also contact DVRPC’s Office of Communications & Engagement at 215-592-1800 or public_affairs@dvrpc.org.

Title VI Statement

In effect as of January 30, 2025

The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) fully complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987, and related nondiscrimination mandates in all programs and activities. DVRPC is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of, all programs and activities on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or income level, as protected by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other related nondiscrimination mandates.

DVRPC's website, www.dvrpc.org, may be translated into multiple languages. Publications and other public documents can be made available in alternative languages and formats, if requested. DVRPC’s public meetings are always held in ADA-accessible facilities and in transit-accessible locations whenever possible. DVRPC will work to accommodate all reasonable requests for translation, interpretation, accommodations or other auxiliary services and encourages that requests be made at least seven days prior to a public meeting. Requests can be made by contacting the Commission’s ADA and Title VI Compliance Officer Shoshana Akins via email at public_affairs@dvrpc.org, calling (215) 592-1800, or while registering for an upcoming meeting.

Any person who believes they have been aggrieved by an unlawful discriminatory practice by DVRPC under Title VI has a right to file a formal complaint. Any such complaint must be in writing and filed with DVRPC's ADA and Title VI Compliance Officer Shoshana Akins and/or the appropriate state or federal agency within 180 days of the alleged discriminatory occurrence. Complaints that a program, service, or activity of DVRPC is not accessible to persons with disabilities should be directed to Shoshana Akins as well. For more information on DVRPC's Title VI program or to obtain a Title VI Complaint Form, please visit: www.dvrpc.org/GetInvolved/TitleVI, call (215) 592-1800, or email public_affairs@dvrpc.org.

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