Downtown Auburn Business Improvement District

Specialties

The Downtown Auburn Business Improvement District (BID) is a membership organization of residents, business owners, property owners, not-​for-​profit organizations and government entities. By means of research, advocacy, marketing, promotion, event planning and collaborative efforts, the BID is committed to enhancing the appearance, economic viability and quality of life of the downtown Auburn, NY community.

History

Established in 1992.

The non-​profit organization was originally formed as the Auburn Downtown Partnership, wth the goal of promoting downtown businesses and events. With added exposure and responsibilities, the organization then secured the state-​sanctioned designation as a Business Improvement District (BID) in 2000, which required 51% of the proposed district property owners to agree to contributing an additonal City assessment tax, thus providing the basis of the operating budget. The BID also contracts with the City of Auburn for upkeep of the City parks, managing the flower pot program and maintaining the overall tidy aesthetic appearance of downtown.

Meet the Manager

Connie R.

Manager

Connie Reilley established and operated an independent bookshop in Union Springs in the Finger Lakes Region for seventeen years. During that time she also co-​founded the Route 90 Association, which initiated the 50 Mile Long Garage Sale now in its 27^th year. As President of the Frontenac Historical Society & Museum, Connie oversaw the physical move of the museum’s collection to a former church building located on Route 90.

With the arrival of Bass Pro Shops to the Fingerlakes Mall, Connie was hired as the Tourism & Special Events Coordinator, to work with mall tenants and management to create marketing programs and events. Those experiences evolved into her position leading the Auburn Downtown Business Improvement District. As Executive Director, Connie enjoys promoting the BID District with its eclectic mix of historic treasures, theatre venues, modern vitality and cultural richness.