Chamber to transition into “Ballard Improvement Area” next year

Last month, the City of Seattle approved the creation of the Ballard Improvement Area (BIA). Due to this approval, The Ballard Chamber will become the BIA as of January 1, 2017.

According to the Ballard Chamber website, the BIA is set to be a long-term, sustainably-funded leadership organization that aims to represent Ballard’s businesses, residents and property owners.

The seven-year program will be funded through assessments on commercial and residential properties in the Ballard core. The map below designates the area of the BIA in bold:

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A list of BIA supporters can be found on the Ballard Chamber website. “As a property owner and ratepayer, I believe the BIA is critical to ensuring Ballard has a strong, unified voice, remains economically vital and can represent our community on critical issues throughout the years ahead,” says Ballard community leader and property owner Tom Malone.

Mike Stewart, Executive Director, Ballard Chamber of Commerce, agrees with Malone. “After more than three years of community development and strategic planning, the BIA will implement programs and services that are critical to ensuring that Ballard remains a vibrant place to live, shop, work, eat and play,” says Stewart.

On January 1, 2017, the Ballard Chamber of Commerce will become The Ballard Alliance. As such The Ballard Alliance will administer the projects within the scope of the BIA, such as: Clean Streets and Graffiti Removal, Public Safety and Health Enhancement, Marketing and Promotions, Business Development and Advocacy/Urban Design/Transportation.

BIA funds will be used only to support these identified programs.The organization will adjust staffing resources and contracts appropriately to deliver these services.

Services currently provided by the Ballard Chamber will continue under The Ballard Alliance, including marketing, networking, and program opportunities. The Ballard Chamber will outline the specific details for current Chamber members that reside within and beyond the boundary of the BIA.

In addition to the BIA there are currently eight other Business Improvement Areas operating in the City of Seattle including – Downtown, Capitol Hill, Pioneer Square, and the University District.

Click here to find out more about the BIA, click here to read the FAQs and click here to read the BIA Business Plan.

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