• The World's First BID → Bloor West Village Business Improvement Area in Toronto was formed in 1970, led by local businesses to revitalize their neighborhood.

• The first U.S. BID launched in 1974 as the Downtown Development District in New Orleans and continues to operate today, focusing on economic development, ensuring Downtown is clean and safe, serving as the voice and advocate for Downtown’s future, and promoting Downtown as a world-class destination for residents and visitors.

• With 75 BIDs, New York City boasts the largest BID program in the country.
  In FY2017 alone, these districts invested over $147 million back into their local communities.

• Across North America, BIDs are known by many names you may have come by:

  • Community Improvement Districts (GA, MO)

  • Special Improvement Districts (OH)

  • Business Improvement Areas (Seattle, Toronto)

  • Business Revitalization Zones (Canada)

1. Assessment on commercial & residential property (methodology set by State).

2. Funds held locally and overseen by MBID Board.

3. Transparent annual work plan & audit.

4. Services supplement—never replace—Metro programs.

• Clean & Safe Services: Street cleaning, enhanced safety patrols, and rapid response to maintenance and concerns.

• Beautification & Placemaking: Strategic landscaping, urban design, pedestrian-friendly improvements, and neighborhood branding.

• Community & Advocacy: A unified voice for Midtown residents and businesses, collaborative problem-solving, and strategic investment in economic development.

• Property-owner-led Board with proportional representation.

• Annual work plan & budget approved by the Board and Metro Council.

• Open meetings & quarterly performance reporting.

MBID Steering Committee includes representatives from various sectors:

• Hospitality - Virgin Hotels Nashville, Kimpton Aertson Hotel

• Residential – The Bristol on Broadway, Rhythm on Music Row, First Service Residential

• Business - GBT Realty Corporation, Hall Emery

• Healthcare – Vanderbilt University Medical Center

• Higher Ed - Vanderbilt University

• Non-profits - Gilda’s Club, Fountains of Musica

• Entertainment & Tourism – Greater Nashville Hospitality Association; Nashville Music, Film & Entertainment Commission; Nashville Pedal Tavern; and Nashville Convention & Visitors Corporation

• Sign a Letter of Support or encourage your property owner to sign

• Participate in community sessions

• Share feedback on proposed programs & boundaries. Contact CM Jacob Kupin: Jacob@JacobKupin.com 615.200.7794

• Spread the word to neighbors

• Provide funding support

  • Charitable gifts are tax-deductible and may be made to: Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, Nashville Community Engagement Fund, via credit card, check, wire, or stock. Contact: Amy Fair, afair@cfmt.org or (615) 321-4939

With special thanks to Vanderbilt University, GBT Realty, and individual donors, the Steering Committee is continuing to raise funds to support this effort.

• Metro Council Member Jacob Kupin, District 19 (MBID Lead) 

• Metro Council Member Terry Vo, District 17

• Metro Council Member Tom Cash, District 18

• Mark Hayes, Kimpton Aertson Hotel

• Michael Babb, MD, Bristol on Broadway

• Mike Combs, The Bristol on Broadway Condo Association

• James Powers, MD, Community Member - Resident

• Kevin Warner, Community Member - Resident

• Charles Couture, FirstService Residential

• Andree LeQuire, Fountains of Musica

• Kristen Heggie, GBT Realty Corporation

• Wendy Souris Welch, GBT Realty Corporation

• Harriet Schiftan, Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee

• Leesa LeClaire, Greater Nashville Hospitality Association

• Allie Hall Eagles, Hall Emery

• Celeste Patterson, H.G. Hill Realty Company, LLC

• Lisa Haller, Midtown Music Row Neighborhood Group

• Andrea Arnold, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corporation

• Jeff Syracuse, Nashville Music, Film & Entertainment Commission; former Metro Council Member

• Angie Gleason, Nashville Pedal Tavern

• F. Lee Blank, Regions Bank

• Emily Schneller, Rhythm on Music Row Condo Association

• Lynn Maddox, Vanderbilt University

• Donovan Sheffield, Vanderbilt University

• Matthew Scanlan, Vanderbilt University Medical Center

• Richard Poskanzer, Virgin Hotels Nashville