The mayor of Hamburg, Germany's second city, promotes the idea of "business improvement districts".
These days, American planners often look to Europe for exemplary urban design and policy. Recently the tables have turned as Mayor Ole von Beust considers the adoption of Business Improvement Districts in Hamburg. The city has over 4.3 million square feet of retail in large shopping centers, not counting 30 smaller centers and arcades. To complete with them, "interest groups" can currently be formed among independent stores, but participation is strictly voluntary. Business improvement districts, patterned after the North American model, would provide a more effective tool that shares costs among all who benefit. [Editor's note: Thanks to Ryan Park for providing this summary. The source article is available in German only.]
Thanks to Ryan Park
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