About the Partnership

The Lower East Side Partnership is a Business Improvement District (BID) serving a neighborhood with a rich merchant heritage. We take great pride in representing and serving the people who make the Lower East Side such a special place.

The Partnership’s mission is to enhance the unique and diverse character of the Lower East Side by improving overall quality of life and supporting the continued growth and vitality of the local economy.

People

Meet the team, board, and partner organizations we work with to operate the Partnership.

reports & documents

Get access to our public documents and annual reports.

our district map

Our district spans over 70 blocks with plans to expand, bringing our services to more of the Lower East Side. Visit our business directory to see which business are currently part of the BID.

Learn more about BIDs

  • A Business Improvement District (BID) is a geographical area where local stakeholders oversee and fund the maintenance, improvement, and promotion of their commercial district.

  • BIDs create vibrant, clean, and safe districts. They deliver services and improvements above and beyond those typically provided by the City. These services can include:

    • Street cleaning and maintenance

    • Public safety and hospitality

    • Marketing and events

    • Capital improvements

    • Beautification

    • Advocacy

    • Business development

    BID services do not replace those provided by the City. By law, City services cannot be reduced because of the existence of a BID.

    BIDs help to brand their districts and market small businesses on their corridor. They facilitate networking among merchants, host community events, and advocate for improvements to the district. BIDs also serve as a liaison between local businesses and stakeholders and the City government. In doing so, BIDs provide a collective voice for the neighborhood and help inform City policy based on their unique local knowledge.

  • BID programs and services are funded by a special assessment billed to property owners within a district. Assessments are unique to each BID and decided upon by the BID's stakeholders. The City of New York assists with the collection of the special assessment, which in turn, is distributed directly to the BID. The BID receives 100% of the money collected.

    On average, assessments make up 75% of BID budgets. Most BIDs also fundraise, apply for grants, and generate revenue from programs to support the services they provide.

    See a breakdown of our funding in our annual report.