About the Downtown Raleigh Alliance
The history of The Downtown Raleigh Alliance can be traced back to a 1996 grassroots movement by a handful of visionary downtown leaders and property owners concerned about the future of Downtown Raleigh. At the time, the Alliance operated in a role similar to a traditional merchant's association. In 2000, the organization took a momentous leap forward by advocating for the formation of the business improvement districts (BIDs). A BID is a funding mechanism used to provide revenue for a variety of services that enhance existing municipal services within a prescribed geographical district. Such services include: sidewalk maintenance, visitor and hospitality outreach efforts, political advocacy, assistance in leasing retail space, marketing downtown, and advocacy on the behalf of downtown's interests. Author and BID expert Lawrence Houstoun offers insight into the foundation of BIDs:
"The motivation for property owners to establish a BID and thereby impose a compulsory levy on themselves is that the expected commercial return will exceed their personal contribution. The growth in BID formations across the United States reflects the recognition by property owners that the value of their asset depends to a significant extent on the surrounding environment"
On June 15, 2004, the Raleigh City Council voted to approve a BID consolidation, creating in effect a single BID with a uniform property tax assessment rate. Through the consolidation of the two BIDs formed in 2000, the Alliance was positioned to provide a uniform level of services across the area defined as Downtown Raleigh. A map of the area contained within Downtown Raleigh's BID can be downloaded here.
Today the Alliance optimizes its resources by building unique partnerships and collaborations with the public and private sectors to address issues facing Downtown Raleigh. Comprised of only 7.5 full time employees, the Alliance leverages its funding for programs and initiatives through project-related fund development and sponsorships. As the reputation of the organization’s efficacy has improved within the community, its scope of work has increased proportionally. While initially formed to address mercantile issues, the Alliance is currently approached to solve problems from a wide array of disciplines, including: business recruitment and retention, urban planning, municipal regulatory reform, homelessness, and marketing.
The Alliance is guided in its daily operations by David A. Diaz. David recently relocated from Roanoke, VA and is an outstanding addition to the Alliance. He brings a wide range of public and private sector downtown experience to the organization.