Creating a safer, cleaner downtown for everyone.
A private sector-led effort to increase safety, vibrancy and cleanliness
Commercial property owners in downtown Saint Paul have come together to form a downtown improvement district (DID) to bring additional services that will increase cleanliness, vibrancy and safety in a core area. DIDs have proven to dramatically improve public safety and security, enhance the upkeep and maintenance of public spaces, and attract new businesses while retaining existing ones.
The Saint Paul DID
The district encompasses downtown Saint Paul’s most prominent artistic, cultural and entertainment venues, along with theatres, restaurants and other attractions that have unique needs. It is also home to corporate headquarters for several large businesses including Ecolab, Securian Financial, Travelers, and others. Funds from participating commercial property owners, as well as voluntary contributions from the City, County and other tax-exempt property owners will provide enhanced services.
The Saint Paul Downtown Alliance was tasked with researching and exploring the viability of a downtown improvement district in Saint Paul, based on the results of a year-long, community-based visioning process spearheaded by the Saint Paul Riverfront Corporation. Since its formation in 2018, the Alliance has studied and met with other DIDs, and tested the feasibility of one in Saint Paul with its pilot program, Streets of Summer.
In the fall of 2019, the Alliance board voted to move forward with the formation of a district for Saint Paul and acted as a convener of interested property owners to determine the district’s services, programs and boundaries and develop a framework. The Saint Paul Downtown Alliance will act as an umbrella organization for the Saint Paul Downtown Improvement District and contract with the district to manage and implement the operations of the SPDID.
The benefits of a DID
There are thousands of downtown improvement districts across the country because they are a proven method of increasing safety, cleanliness and vitality in communities large and small. According to the International Downtown Association:
On average, streets maintained by DIDs were found to be cleaner than similar commercial streets located in the same city.
DIDs have declining crime rates. In Philadelphia, crime decreased by 40% in their district.
DIDs maintain lower commercial vacancy rates. In Red Bank, New Jersey, the occupancy rate increased from 65% to 97%.
“As business and property owners, we all benefit from understanding our role in the downtown and looking beyond our own properties to improve the area.”
— Pat Skinner - General Manager, Wells Fargo Place