Funding Non-Profits Through BIDs

In Philadelphia, small non-profits can force payment from area businesses and owners through Business Improvement District regulations.

1 minute read

February 15, 2006, 7:00 AM PST

By David Gest

"In University City, a nonprofit dedicated to picking up litter and conducting safety patrols is tired of relying solely on voluntary contributions to fund its activities. Now, it wants businesses and property owners with at least four units to pay up.

A 2000 amendment to a state law made it easier for community groups to create Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), which are types of Neighborhood Improvement Districts (NIDs) that collect mandatory "assessments" from those who benefit from their services."

Yet is the system "taxation without representation", as some opponents claim?

FULL STORY: Tax Burdened

Thursday, February 9, 2006 in Philadelphia City Paper

Community / Economic Development Pennsylvania

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