Business Improvement District Enabling Laws in the United States and Germany: A Comparative Analysis of Policy Learning

This study aims to answer the question how political cultures of respective countries affect policy learning processes. Using historical and contextual information about the political cultures of the United States and Germany and with applications of the advocacy coalition framework and cultural theory, this study finds that the originally American business improvement district (BID) institutional form was adopted in Germany when its political culture was open to it. German policy makers adopted the provisions of the U.S. laws that were compatible with their secondary beliefs, which were related to where and how to deliver local services. They did not directly adopt the BID governing models in the U.S. laws, which were based on the American deep core and policy core beliefs. Instead, they adapted the American models to their own Hegelian deep core beliefs and the hierarchical political core beliefs, which resulted in the formulation of the “ Aufgabenträger” (task performer) model.

Placemaking and Revitalization through Business and Tourism Improvement Districts in Albania

As a form of a public-private partnership with local authorities, the business improvement district (BID) is created when most businesses or business property owners agree through balloting to manage a delimited commercial area with prior authorization by the local authority. The district is managed through a non-profit organization that provides additional public services such as security, maintenance, infrastructure improvement, and marketing, to improve decaying commercial and residential areas. BIDs have been praised as engines for urban development, filling the need gap between the public and private sector by providing entrepreneurial local public management and augmented public services for socioeconomic revitalization. The business improvement districts (BIDs) and similar forms of a public-private partnership, as a new mechanism for urban renewal and economic development, have emerged in North America five decades ago and quickly adopted in many cities worldwide. Since 2011, the model has been applied in 8 districts in Albania, contributing to improved business life, infrastructure improvements, and enhanced general public services. This time is considered long enough to offer insights regarding their evolution and transformative effects. This study aims at exploring the adaptation of the business improvement district (BID) model in urban areas in Albania and, at the same time, point out its characteristics, operational and functional activities, accountability, and contribution to business development and area revitalization. The methodology used in this study adopts a qualitative method, including a case study approach to data gathering Primary data sources include semi-structured interviews with BID association members, administrators, and consultants in Albania, businesses, local government officials, and lawyers. This study will contribute to a more robust contextual understanding of the establishment and effectiveness of BIDs in developing economies The findings presented demonstrate BID’s transformative role for area regeneration, economic and social development. Furthermore, this study provides additional insights regarding the effects of development organizations’ involvement in this public-private partnership model for area regeneration. The results have important implications for Albania’s public and development policies and provide practical lessons for practitioners in these fields. Furthermore, it contributes to the international literature on BIDs, including evidence of this model applied in a developing economy.

Inwestycje w przestrzeni publicznej z inicjatywy mieszkańców

AbstraktWspółkształtowanie przestrzeni publicznych przez mieszkańców rozumiane jest często poprzez partycypację w rozmaitych formach konsultacji społecznych. Artykuł niniejszy wychodzi od refleksji nad pojęciem przestrzeni publicznej i zmierza do omówienia, jak mieszkańcy i przedsiębiorcy mogą się włączyć w kształtowanie miejskich przestrzeni. Konieczne jest też omówienie, jak samorządy ustosunkowują się do pomysłu współtworzenia przestrzeni i czy są przygotowane na tego rodzaju inicjatywy. Żeby odpowiedzieć na te kwestie, przedstawiono studia przypadków tego typu działań – a każde dotyka innej skali i sposobu zaangażowania aktorów: parklet, Business Improvement District i ambient marketing. Artykuł prezentuje następnie wyniki badania własnego i kończy się kilkoma sugestiami dotyczącymi tego, jak można poprawić responsywność władz miasta.