Here in Lilburn, GA, in the heart of Gwinnett County, we are on the path to getting our second Community Improvement District (CID).
But what does that mean?
The basis of a CID is a geographically defined area, with businesses choosing to install a special tax on themselves in order to improve the area... and their businesses. The property owners, representing at least 75% of the property value in the area, agree to tax themselves, and then elect a board to oversee how the money is used.
They are a partnership of public and private sectors. They are enabled by municipal government, the money is collected through tax revenue, but the private group spends the money. The money doesn't 'replace' other tax money, but supplements it.
The Georgia Constitution specifies that funds collected through a CID may be used for seven types of applications:
- Water
- Public transportation
- Street and road construction and maintenance
- Parks and recreational areas and facilities
- Storm water and sewage
- Parking, terminal and dock facilities
- Other
In the Metro Atlanta area there are several CIDs.
- The Cumberland Mall area
- Perimeter Center area
- US78 from West Park to around Scenic Highway
- Gwinnett Place CID
- US29 through Lilburn
Of course, there are others.
I know that in my travels, over the last few years I have seen beautification projects, traffic improvements and other changes in those districts. I'm looking forward to the continued improvements in the Gwinnett County CIDs. There will likely be a few more in the central part of the county in the next few years as local businesses step up to deal with aging infrastructure, better manage traffic flow and improve the marketability of the area.
Very interesting and especially since I have never of a CID is it something that other states have?
Done properly a CID (or in our state it's residential equivalent, the local improvement district (LID)) is a reasonably equitable way to get small things done.
The best government is that one that governs locally. So you don't get a mandate and matching funds from DC? It is fine with me. People should decide how they want to do it in thier own communities.