Business Improvement Districts: A Comparative Analysis of the Legal Framework and Economic/Social Impact Among Different Countries

Abstract

This study investigates the functional characteristics of Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) among various European Countries and Albania. The legal framework in those countries is used as the main source of information in providing similarities and differences in how different economic realities implement BID models from a regulatory point of view. Countries are divided in two groups, those who currently have a well-defined BID model, and those who have applied similar models to BID. In the first group, the authors identify similarities and differences based on whether there is a legal framework in place, whether the local government does delegate public service provision to BIDs, how decision is made to establish a BID, whether there is a mandatory levy to be paid from members, who is entitled to be a member, and who collects the levy. In the second group, similarities and differences are identified by whether a law is in place, and what are the characteristics that make these forms of organizations like BIDs. Furthermore, this study analyses existing literature with regards to the economic and social impacts that Business Improvement Districts have on local communities. The research builds the bases of a series of future empirical research on the economic impact of BIDs in Albania.