The Erie Downtown Partnership is a Downtown Improvement District (DID), which is a state-authorized program that allows property owners to collectively pool their resources through a shared assessment levy. Downtown property owners formed the Erie DID in 2004 to fund services that benefit the entire district, such as:
- Sidewalk clearing (litter and snow removal, power washing, etc.)
- Graffiti and litter removal
- Panhandling/Loitering redirection from businesses
- Homeless wellness checks
Assessment Calculation
The assessment levy is invoiced annually using the calculation rate of 0.0025% of the total assessed property value for commercial properties within the DID. This assessment is capped at $3,000, making it the lowest DID assessment in the Commonwealth. The assessment makes up a quarter of Erie Downtown Partnership's annual budget.
Additional Funding
Authorities and nonprofit assets also provide direct contributions. The EDP Staff and Board raise additional funding through generous partners, foundations, sponsors and the Downtown Future Fund. These efforts provide funding for operations, special projects, events, and business support such as marketing and grants.
Governance
The EDP DID has a governing board of directors representing downtown property owners, small businesses, and regional assets charged with overseeing the reinvestment of these funds as they advance a mission to steward the area.
Pennsylvania law recognizes that downtown areas need a coordinated approach to support downtown revitalization and so provided municipalities a way to formally organize DIDs like ours through the Business Improvement District Act. Through support of the City of Erie and its Council, a resolution was passed to create the Erie DID. This resolution renews every ten years.
The Erie DID is a dynamic tool to advance the improvement of downtown Erie's environment, economic vibrancy, and experience.
