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Improvement Districts
How New Jersey communities organize, fund, and manage stronger commercial corridors.
The Improvement District (whether business, special, downtown, or another name) is a model for managing a municipality's commercial corridor. It is authorized by state law under the Pedestrian Mall and Special Improvement District Act (N.J.S.A. 40:56-65 et seq.) and may be established by ordinance in any municipality in New Jersey.
An Improvement District provides businesses and property owners with a mechanism to organize as a single entity, raise funds for activities that enhance or expand upon municipal services, and, through a District Management Corporation (DMC), manage the district to become a stronger destination for commerce.
In New Jersey, municipalities are empowered to create Improvement Districts and establish District Management Corporations (DMCs) to administer district assessments and provide enhanced services to businesses and properties within the designated district.
The State also provides technical assistance and support to municipalities that have already established Improvement Districts, as well as those exploring the creation of a new district. As resources permit, the State administers the Downtown Business Improvement Zone Loan Fund.