2. Business Improvement DistrictKALISPELL BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
MISSION STATEMENT
To maintain and promote the character and economic viability of downtown
Kalispell. Advocating for a unique, prosperous and healthy district that is
the social, commercial, professional, and cultural heart of the community.
VISION STATEMENT
The Downtown Kalispell Business Improvement District (BID) will serve as
the primary organization by which members will both strengthen and
revitalize their own organization and the Kalispell community. The BID is
committed to becoming a valuable resource by providing a wide variety of
services including research, technical assistance, planning and advocacy.
The BID will measure its success based upon the extent to which it helps
members find solutions to the challenges they face, provides opportunities
for economic growth and prosperity and improves the quality of life of the
community it serves. Ultimately, by serving its members with excellence,
the BID will contribute to making the City of Kalispell among the most
outstanding places to live and do business in Montana.
OBJECTIVE# 1: Web Site Development and Management $5,500.00
OBJECTIVE # 2: District Business and Real Estate Inventory $2,500.00
OBJECTIVE # 3: Advertising and Promotions $1,500.00
OBJECTIVE # 4: RFP for Performing Arts Center $4,000.00
OBJECTIVE # 5: Master Plan Development Fund $7,500.00
OBJECTIVE # 6: Establish District Grant Program $5,000.00
RESERVE FUND: $9,000.00
TOTAL $35,000.00
OBJECTIVE # 1: WEB SITE DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT
Professionally develop and maintain a BID web site to highlight the goals
and vision of the District. Provide information regarding the District's
assets, businesses and events. Keep updates of vacancies and for sale
properties. Provide a good map of District. Link to the Kalispell Area
Chamber of Commerce, Glacier Country and other state and local web sites.
Web site to be available September, 2004.
OBECTIVE # 2: DISTRICT BUSINESS AND REAL ESTATE
INVENTORY
Inventory and compile the District's businesses and real estate to be used as
general information therefore locating businesses and real estate vacancies.
This information will be useful as a tool to maintain and promote a healthy
economic District. This information will be available on the BID web site,
which will be an easy access to people interested in investing in the District.
Project to be completed August 1, 2004.
OBJECTIVE # 3: ADVERTISING AND INFORMATION
Develop a District directory listing businesses and services, which has been
compiled in objective #2. This directory will be distributed through the
Kalispell Chamber of Commerce and other distribution points. Gift
Certificates will be offered for businesses in the District.
OBJECTIVE # 4: RFP FOR GLACIER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Submit a proposal for the location of the Glacier Performing Arts Center to
be located in downtown Kalispell
OBJECTIVE # 5: MASTER PLAN DEVELOPMENT FUND
Partner with other interested parties to develop a Downtown Kalispell
Enhancement Strategy through the guidance of a national consulting firm.
This Enhancement Plan would help chart a course for stimulating private
investment, and help to discover downtown Kalispell's unique economic
potential with action -oriented strategies for implementation.
OBJECTIVE # 6: ESTABLISH DISTRICT GRANT PROGRAM
Co-ordinate with New Business Activity Grants designed to offer an
incentive to locate, upgrade or expand a business in downtown Kalispell.
Develop a Fagade Improvement Grant designed to foster a meaningful
impact of visible improvements in downtown Kalispell.
BID Grant Programs
Currently Downtown Great Falls is having great success with their programs.
The New Business Activity Grant is designed to offer an incentive to locate, upgrade, or
expand a business in downtown. It is not a rebate program for deferred maintenance or for
projects that have already started or have been completed. For permanent interior renovation,
thirty percent of the costs for permanent improvements can be awarded for new and expanding
businesses and ten percent of the costs for permanent improvements can be awarded for existing
business enhancement projects. Both project -type awards are not to exced $5000.
The Facade Improvement Grant is designed to foster a meaningful impact of visible improve-
ments in downtown. Our goal is to stimulate investment and development, and to continue
upgrading the appearance of downtown. Grants will be made to qualified projects as determined
by the BID Board on a case -by -case basis. Grants are awarded to property owners and busi-
nesses within the BID boundaries only. Each 50 feet of building front is eligible and is to be
treated as one unit. Each project may obtain one-half (50%) of the project cost up to a maxi-
mum of $2500. If the building is located on a corner lot, the second side of the building is
eligible for an additional grant of one-half (50%) the project costs up to a maximum of $2500:
Buildings other than comer lots that have exposed sides and, backs may also be eligible for a
grant. The matching formula for these projects is 25% of the total cost up to a maximum of
$1250.
A business or property may be eligible for all grants at a given application time or for a given
project.
The above grants have generated very good response in Great Falls
New Business Activity Grants since 1998 (39) applications resulting in approximately $100,000
in grant awarded funds.
Facade Improvements since 1992 (60) applications resulting in approximately $175,000 in
grant awarded funds.
DOWNTOWN GIFT CERTIFICATE PROMOTION
Very well received!! Administered by their downtown merchants assn., but could be managed
by the BID board, without much hassle. could link to our website to purchase. Only redeem-
able at participating stores downtown.
DOWNTOWN IMPROVEMENT
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