The Downtown Lowell BID is bound by the Merrimack River to the north, the Concord River to the east, Market Street to the south, and Arcand Drive to the west.

A BID creates a way for property owners to pool their resources to sustainably fund and coordinate improvements and supplemental services. BIDs provide added value, generate more business activity, and enhance the district for everyone. It also is a way for property owners, residents, and others to work together collectively with a sustainable budget for neighborhood-prioritized improvements.

The BID is a nonprofit organization that is primarily operated and financed by property owners, but also receives support from residents, business owners, and other people invested in the district.

Board of Directors

Composition.  The number of Directors shall not exceed twelve (12). The incorporator or incorporators shall fix the initial number and, within that number, elect the initial Board of Directors. Thereafter, the Property Owners at their Annual Meeting or at a Special Meeting called for that purpose, shall elect a Board of Directors to take office immediately upon election and to serve, in accordance with the law and these Bylaws. 

A sample structure of the Board of Directors may look like the following:

The Board of Directors* shall have the following minimum representation when there are no vacancies: 

1. One (1) director from a college or university with a presence in the district; 

2. One (1) director from the City Manager appointment; 

3. One (1) director from a property owner of an assessment greater than or equal to $2M; 

4. One (1) director from a property owner of an assessment of less than $2M; 

5. One (1) director from a non-profit/institutional property owner; 

6. One (1) director as a commercial tenant; 

7. One (1) director from a large performing arts institution; 

8. One (1) director as a resident of the district; and 

9. Seven (7) directors as at-large stakeholders. 

* Board composition may vary according to each BID district’s layout

The City of Lowell participates as a property owner of the district through a Memorandum of Understanding that outlines the relationship with the BID, the baseline services provided by the municipality and a “baseline plus” agreement that outlines how the municipality will contribute financially and with additional services beyond those supported by regular tax collection.

Once a BID is established, all eligible property owners participate in the BID.

Every five years, property owners vote to continue the BID or not.

There are currently 10 BIDs across the state. Communities with BIDs include Taunton, Worcester, Springfield, Cambridge, Boston, Amherst, Hyannis, and Hudson.

BIDs have a proven track record of success. For example, in the Downtown Hudson BID, the number of visitors increased 40% between 2017 and 2023. In a recent survey, Hudson business and property owners overwhelmingly reported improvements in curb appeal, storefront appearances, number of visitors, and events thanks to their BID.

Property owners within the BID will pay a percentage of their property value into the BID on an annual basis, using the following formula:

• Residential property owners with 100+ units of housing: 0.16% of property value

• Commercial and mixed-use property owners: 0.4% of property value

Nonprofit and government agencies are tax-exempt but will provide contracted financial and in-kind support. Condos and small residential properties with 3 units of housing or less are exempt but can participate on BID Board of Directors and committees.