Seventeenth International Conference on Environmental, Cultural, Economic & Social Sustainability

Abstract

Business improvement districts (BIDs) are officially designated geographical areas within cities that provide services for resilience and regeneration of those areas. Most BIDs are in commercial areas that have experienced slower growth and seek to redress economic decline through innovative management strategies. Most of these strategies revolve around traditional marketing business practices, but some BIDs utilize sustainability design strategies to enhance their economic competitiveness. Expansion of green spaces; bike paths; increasing walkability; tree planting; green streets; green corridors; and complete streets are key sustainability design strategies that are utilized. The impact of COVID19 on commercial districts of cities has been enormous. The lockdown of restaurants and other commercial activities in these areas has caused massive business stress. Many businesses have been forced into insolvency in the shift from place-based to online commerce. This paper provides the results of a study in Montclair New Jersey, USA, of how BIDs that utilize sustainability design practices are more successful in adjusting economically to the COVID19 crisis in commercial areas of cities. The conclusion reached is that municipalities that develop effective management entities consisting of local stakeholder engagement (BIDs) adopting sustainability design are more resilient to economic shocks and vulnerabilities (COVID19).