What is a BIA?

A Business Improvement Area (BIA) is an association of property owners and businesses within a specified area who organize, finance and carry out physical improvements and promote economic development in their district with the support of the municipality. The BIA area is defined by the Council approved by-laws.

What does a BIA do?

Through an elected Board of Managers, BIAs develop and carry out programs to improve, beautify and market their area. They promote the businesses in the BIA area and bring in customers. BIA programs include, but are not limited to:

• Liaising and consulting with the Council and staff of the City of Cambridge, providing assistance and input from the Board and BIA members regarding City programs, planning issues, services, by-laws, activities and initiatives impacting its members and the BIAs
• Representing the opinions and expectations of its membership;
• Communicating with members to keep them informed and canvas the membership when appropriate and practical for input and participation;
• Communicating with the other Cambridge BIAs;
• Reviewing and implementing marketing efforts and initiatives to promote the BIAs;
• Participating and encouraging events in the BIAs;
• Promoting open communications in particular with the City, the membership, event partners, the Cambridge business community and the public;
• Enhancing the streetscape and beautification of the BIAs.

BIA's ensure that the public view these areas as attractive, pleasant places to shop, have fun, work and live.

Cambridge BIAs

There are three BIAs in Cambridge.