Development & Improvement Districts

Downtown Colorado, Inc. (DCI) assists development and improvement districts (DIDs) including Urban Renewal Authorities (URAs), Downtown Development Authorities (DDAs), and Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) with services in education, advocacy, information, and collaboration.

Downtown Colorado, Inc. is focus efforts on improving communications between Colorado development and improvement districts (DIDs) AND improving information and communication about Colorado development and improvement districts. DCI places a high importance on downtown renewal and improvement efforts in Colorado. DCI will continue to support Colorado DIDs by increasing these benefits specific to URA, DDA, and BID members:

• Marketing the positive impacts DIDs are having on the Colorado community
• Researching economic and community impacts of URAs/DDAs/BIDs in Colorado
• Increasing opportunities for DIDs representatives to network and share best practices
• Developing stronger connections between DCI downtown management programs and DIDs

We would like to encourage you to join us in 2011 as we expand the services for DIDs and work together to support urban renewal efforts in Colorado.

2012 Member-Only Educational & Networking Forums

DIDs forums allow members to network, discuss current events, and participate or listen to discussions on targeted topics. Networking forums are held on the second Wednesday of the month (2:00PM – 4:00PM) at the Colorado Municipal League office (1144 Sherman Street, Denver).

Educational events are open registration and aimed at imparting information on specific topics such as proposed legislation, policy, or for sharing strategies for implementation

How Can You Support Colorado Development and Improvement Districts?

Downtown Colorado, Inc. offers a variety of ways for your organization to support the continued development of the Development and Improvement Districts (DIDs) Program. Below are some action steps that you can start today, as well as the ways that DCI is working to help support DIDs in their efforts.

What Can You Do Today to Support DIDs?	How Does DCI Support Colorado DIDs?
Write a letter to your legislator. It’s important to educate the Colorado legislature on the positive benefits of urban renewal in Colorado.	DCI provides you with a letter template. Click here for a member-created letter template to legislators in support of urban renewal in Colorado.
Join DCI membership. In 2010, DCI hopes to welcome all Colorado BIDs, DDAs, and URAs into our membership. We keep our membership fees low ($165/year for communities populations under 5000) to encourage participation from all Colorado communities.	DCI provides you with a letter template. Click here for a link to a member-created letter template to legislators in support of urban renewal in Colorado.
Send DCI your reports to showcase your successes. Statistics go a long way toward supporting the important work your downtown improvement district is doing. Compile and send DCI your reports on investment statistics; business attraction and retention; impacts on housing; commercial and retail development; impacts on blighted areas and the local economy; innovative partnerships; or general reports on overall successes to highlight your accomplishments.	DCI will spread the word about the positive impacts of Colorado DIDs. A clear need exists to gather, report, and publicize the work of BIDs, DDAs, and URAs. To accomplish this, DCI will request annual reports, newsletters, program materials, and brochures to create and disseminate comprehensive informational brochures, online materials, and an annual report to highlight the work of DIDs in Colorado.
Attend DIDs networking and educational events. Keep abreast of upcoming legislation and policy, or network with other DID representatives in organizations similar to yours. DCI hopes to increase member contributions to assist in providing high quality informative programs that also allow DID professionals to network and share best practices. Contact DCI if you are interested in hosting, sponsoring, or suggesting topics for events.	DCI hosts two types of events to benefit DID professionals. Information-sharing, invite-only events will target a select group of DID professionals who have a common criterion, such as community size, similar project portfolio, or work on historic preservation. Educational events are open registration and aimed at imparting information on specific topics such as proposed legislation or policy.
Share your best practices and ideas with other Colorado DIDs. Network with other Colorado development and improvement districts in person or online to exchange ideas and ask for advice. Pose a question or contribute ideas or answers by contacting DCI through email or through Downtown Colorado, Inc. LinkedIn discussions.	DCI is creating an online discussion group available to DIDs members only. This forum will provide a forum for asking questions and sharing best practices and ideas.
Sponsor statewide statistical analyses and continued DID program development. DCI is seeking sponsorship/contributions to conduct statewide statistical analysis that examines DIDs’ impacts on Colorado communities.	DCI is researching and publish economic and community impacts of DIDs in Colorado. To promote the positive work of Colorado DIDs, DCI will coordinate and publish statewide quantitative and qualitative research on property valuations, job creation, case studies, etc.
Utilize Colorado Main Street strategies to strengthen your DID. Participate in training programs to learn techniques to more effectively manage your program and revitalize your community.	DCI offers training programs to help DIDs realize maximum potential and grow. DCI provides educational resources and technical assistance to help programs realize their strengths and minimize their weaknesses.

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