Harlem’s 125th Street BID, New York

The 125th Street business improvement district (BID) in Harlem, New York, has a vision “to become a multi-dimensional destination with a range of uses including commercial, retail, business, social, residential, educational, civic, hospitality, and religious, with a strong emphasis on culture and culture-related commerce.” Its projects include:

• An Ambassador/Public Safety programme, where public safety officers with BID uniforms patrol the street on foot five days a week. They provide public safety; assist the sick, injured or lost; and inspect for hazards, garbage, broken lights etc.
• The 125th Street BID Clean Team, which provides supplemental cleaning services, and the #HarlemNeatStreets clean awareness campaign.
• Marketing and promotion campaigns, including managing an events calendar and multiple social media platforms to highlight local businesses.
• The annual Harlem Holiday Lights celebration.
• A link with the Brixton (UK) BID, including a Brixton X Harlem Festival to celebrate the common threads between the two locations.