To establish a BIA, the local government needs to approve legislation. Since each city tends to have a specific process to form a BIA, we have organized a rough step-by-step process to guide you:
- Initially create a nonprofit organization with a similar objective to the BIA you want to
establish (depending on your city, you may have no choice other than start with a nonprofit
anyway).
- Establish a steering committee (e.g., an advisory group that will provide guidance and
support in the process).
- Confirm the community’s interest in the objective.
- Survey representatives of the local businesses to specify their interest in establishing a BIA.
- Host a public meeting.
- Lobby local politicians.
- Formally ask the city to establish the BIA by simultaneously making recommendations
regarding the tax (levy) to fund it.
We would also like to emphasize that you (and your team of supporters) should meet with leaders from other local BIAs, your local elected official, and/or city staff to learn more about the initiative itself as well as raise support and interest in it.
The City of Vancouver has created a very helpful guide to establish a BIA. It includes a checklist and a proposed timeline that should be available in the link below: