The Downtown Mobile District Management Corporation (DMDMC) is the property owner-funded management organization that coordinates services within the 75-block Business Improvement District (BID). Going far beyond basic City services, the BID provides district-wide security, beautification initiatives, concierge patrols, intensive litter collection and economic development programs that help to provide a clean, safe and vibrant downtown environment. The DMDMC also works with the City and County of Mobile to support projects that revitalize the downtown area, encouraging new business development, investment, and tourism in the City.

Definition of a BID

A BID is a distinct geographic area in which enhanced services – including security, maintenance of streets and sidewalks, district management and economic development – are financed through annual property assessments on non-government owned property within the district’s boundaries. Relying on public/private partnerships, BIDs are an effective way for property owners to improve the public environment and economic health of urban areas. Typically formed through local ordinance, BIDs enhance - and do not replace - clean and safe services already provided by local governments and agencies. BIDs also ensure that the standards for existing services are met. BIDs are a common tool in the management of urban areas. Currently, more than 1,000 BIDs exist in the United States.

History of the Mobile BID

The concept for the Mobile Business Improvement District (BID) grew out of a study commissioned by Main Street Mobile, Inc. in 2002. From there, a group of dedicated supporters tackled the job of passing the necessary state legislation and then “selling” the benefits of the program to downtown property owners. In 2005, after a majority of the property owners had approved the formation of the BID, the City Council gave its blessing and work began on the transformation of downtown.

BID Funding

The BID is supported by an assessment on property within the 75-block district. Assessment levels are based on a sliding scale, depending on value as determined by the County Revenue Commissioner. Owner-occupied, single-family property is exempt and property owned by a 501(c)(3) designated nonprofit organization and used for the purposes of the non-profit are eligible for a 50 percent reduction. Currently, there are 480 separate parcels in the BID, with an average annual assessment of $1234.35.

DMDMC Organizational Structure

The DMDMC provides property owners leadership and advocacy that works closely with the City and County of Mobile on a variety of issues, including security, hospitality, graffiti removal, sidewalk cleaning, litter collection and land development.

The DMDMC board of directors represents a broad range of interests and areas of downtown Mobile. The seventeen-member board includes large and small property owners, business owners and people with a stake in the revitalization of downtown. Each director serves a three-year term.

The DMDMC is Helping Transform Downtown

In just one year, downtown has been significantly improved by beautification projects and a pro-active and consistent response to litter, graffiti, and trash removal, all of which works to create an attractive business district. The partnership between the DMDMC and the city of Mobile is beginning to attract investment and spur economic development in downtown, and is creating a clean, safe environment that will both enhance tourism and create incentives for residents to once again move into the city and do business in downtown Mobile.