|
Background
Founded by the Downtown Seattle Association (DSA) in 1999, through a city of Seattle ordinance, the Metropolitan Improvement District (MID) is a business-improvement area in downtown Seattle spanning 285 square blocks in six downtown neighborhoods, including Pioneer Square. With funding from commercial and residential property owners within the MID boundaries, DSA provides an array of services to ensure a clean, safe, and welcoming downtown for all. The DSA manages the MID, and an advisory board of 35 property owners recommends an annual budget and work plan and provides ongoing input and oversight.
What's Happening Now
Last month, the MID hosted a public meeting to discuss the renewal process. The meeting culminated a year of outreach and input from ratepayers and other downtown stakeholders that began with a MID reimagining exercise. Your input and that of others has informed a new 10-year MID business plan and an updated assessment formula. The updated business plan, along with petitions to reauthorize the MID until 2033, have now been distributed to downtown property owners. One key change for 2023 is the extension of southern boundary of the district to include additional properties in Pioneer Square to Royal Brougham.
Your support is needed to ensure the MID continues to operate not only in Pioneer Square, but in downtown Seattle overall. Additionally, below are some resources that might be helpful as the MID continues the petition-signing phase:
More information about the work of the MID is available on the DSA website and through knowyourmid.org. For specific inquiries into the MID renewal process, contact [email protected].
Why It Matters
The MID provides key services to downtown Seattle, including:
- Daily cleaning of downtown streets and sidewalks, including trash and biohazard removal, illegal dumping, alley flushing and graffiti removal
- Daily private security patrols within the MID boundaries
- Hospitality and concierge services
- Interactions with downtown’s unsheltered and vulnerable populations on how to access services and notification of encampments to the city
- Programming in parks and public spaces
- Downtown marketing, economic development, and research
- Events and activations
How to Support the Process
The 2023-2033 MID Business Plan is now circulating for approval. MID Ratepayers may lend their support through the following ways:
- Testifying to Seattle City Council during the public phase (Q1/2 2023)
- Providing a testimonial / quote of support
- Signing on to a DSA/MID supporters letter (letter to follow for your review)
- Lending your organization’s name and logo to an endorsers list
- Supporting the DSA's media outreach efforts
If you are interested in supporting MID renewal during the city of Seattle’s approval process we encourage you to sign up here.
If the MID is not renewed for 2023-2033, these and other services would end. Your support is crucial in ensuring another decade of MID-funded programs.
| 
