Public-Private Collaborations: The Case of Atlanta Metro Community Improvement District Alliance

Globally business improvement districts have proliferated as the most influential public-private mechanisms for revitalizing business districts and promoting infrastructure improvement projects. Community improvement districts in Georgia share the same characteristics of business improvement districts (BIDs) as in other states or countries. The Georgia constitution enables the state legislature to create BIDs, called community improvement districts (CIDs) in Georgia, in any city or county or any combination thereof to deliver public services. This analysis explores the CIDs\u27 governance structures, financing mechanisms, and promotion strategies through CIDs\u27 provision in various projects and their impacts in the Atlanta metropolitan area. The paper begins with a historical synopsis, followed by a discussion of governance, intergovernmental relations, accountability, and effectiveness as these pertain to the informal coalition of 13 CIDs in the Atlanta Metro Alliance that represent the heart of Georgia\u27s high-revenue business community. In conclusion, the paper provides some policy recommendations on how to use CIDs as a unique tool for infrastructure financing and economic development