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The Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District (SSMID) ) is an organization of downtown property owners formed to create and promote vibrancy in Downtown Cedar Rapids. The organization is funded by a voluntary tax assessment on commercial properties in the district.
Established by a group of visionary Downtown leaders in 1986, the SSMID initially focused a majority of its financial resources on enhancing the streetscape of downtown and creating the unique environment that is so apparent today. Several million dollars was invested in benches, decorative lights, brickwork, planters, banners and other Downtown amenities. Other SSMID resources supported the marketing, programs and events of the professional operating organization that's now called the Downtown District.
In 2006, as the original SSMID neared the end of its existence, Downtown property owners – some of them the same leaders who had gathered in 1986 – decided to expand, renew and refocus the SSMID. The original 33-block area was expanded to 53 blocks and for the first time extended to the west side of the Cedar River. (See the complete SSMID map here). The term of the SSMID was extended an additional 10 years to 2017. And the focus became much more broadly defined on economic development activities.
The specific goals of the new SSMID include:
Downtown Economic Development Programs
- Retain, attract and incubate businesses
- Support existing businesses to help them grow
- Attract new investment and appropriate development
- Create investor marketing information specific to downtown including downtown real estate database
- Consumer marketing, promotions and special events
- Market Research
Communications and Advocacy
- Publish a downtown newsletter, map and director
- Manage media relations to project a positive image
- Maintain a downtown Cedar Rapids website
- Promote a positive image with public relations
- Advocate to advance policies and attract additional resources that will improve downtown
Capital Improvements
- Cosmetic improvements such as seasonal banners and decorations
- Gateways, signage and public art
- Special projects to improve and beautify public spaces
- Street beautification
Enhanced Maintenance
- Ongoing maintenance of SSMID-financed improvements that are deemed to be beyond the City's base level of services
- Enhanced services that would not be expected from the City, such as sidewalk power washing
Parking Management
- Work with the City to manage existing parking resources more effectively
- Encourage investment to update parking infrastructure and technology
- Investigate options for improving mobility for all modes of transportation, including bicycles and transit
- Investigate ways to support economic development efforts with the creative use of parking resources
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