DowntownDC Business Guide

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Welcome to the DowntownDC BID!

You’re joining one of the most diverse and dynamic areas in one of the world’s most influential cities. Across 140 walkable, transit-rich blocks, Downtown DC is where locals and visitors come together to experience the very best of the nation’s capital. Whether you’re an educational institution, retailer, restaurant, cultural organization, office, or service provider, the DowntownDC BID is here to support your business and help it thrive.

Members

Founded in 1997, DowntownDC BID is the city’s first private, nonprofit place management organization. Property owners within the boundaries agree to tax themselves to fund services and activations that enhance the experience in the Downtown area. Property owners and their tenants are automatically a DowntownDC BID member if they are located within the DowntownDC BID boundaries.

What We Offer

Safety, Hospitality and Maintenance: The DowntownDC BID’s Safety, Hospitality and Maintenance Ambassadors (SAMs) acts as the “eyes and ears” of the neighborhood, providing information assistance to visitors, residents, and workers, as well as leading the main efforts on collecting trash, cleaning sidewalks, and removing graffitis.
Public Space Improvements: In collaboration with the government and property managers, public spaces throughout DowntownDC are enhanced with seasonal art installations and murals. The DowntownDC BID also conducts community walks and business wellness checks to support a safe, welcoming environment through a responsive, data-driven approach.
Homeless Services: The DowntownDC BID brings direct services to the unhoused community through the DowntownDC Services Day Center (DDSC). From safety, stability to housing, DDSC is DowntownDC BID’s year-round commitment to serve the community.
Economic Planning and Development: The BID supports Downtown’s economic growth and diversification by providing research, insights, and public-private partnerships that help businesses succeed. Guided by the Downtown Action Plan, the BID monitors, collects, and shares data on the Downtown economy to support business decisions, attract investments, and advocate for a strong marketplace.
Events and Strategic Partnerships: The BID fosters a range of strategic partnerships and produces annual signature events, such as the DowntownDC Holiday Market, Jazz and Blossoms, and Kids World, that attracts large foot traffic, support local vendors and transform DowntownDC into a vibrant cultural destination.
Marketing and Communications: Positioning as place that brings people together around what thrills them, DowntownDC BID promotes the brand, community, and all happenings in the area through various channels, including website, social media, newsletter, and public relations.
Transportation: The BID improves Downtown mobility through partnerships with DDOT and Capital Bikeshare, helping people move easily to and around local businesses.

Quick Stats

Helpful Resources

From tourism to retail and beyond, explore organizations and programs that offer valuable support for businesses in Downtown DC.

Stay In the Know

Send us a quick note with any question, sign up for our newsletters, and follow @downtowndcbid to stay up to date on what’s happening Downtown.

We’d Love to Hear from You