In the News
Business Improvement Districts and Economic Development
Recycling Services in Rosslyn
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Landscaping in Rosslyn
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Art Walls in Crystal City
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Crystal Couture
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Vintage Crystal
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Arlington benefits from two Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) which complement and enhance work performed by Arlington's Economic Development Department. The first business improvement district in Arlington was formed in Rosslyn in 2003. It was followed two years later by another in Crystal City. The work of these two organizations has made a significant difference in the image and branding of each of these urban villages.
Both groups have aimed to bring excitement to their neighborhoods, largely through programmed events. Both have a summer movie series and both are sponsors of the Marine Corps Marathon in the fall – Arlington’s single largest event. They also have some very special events of their own: the Rosslyn Jazz Festival is established as the premier outdoor music event in the region and this is supplemented by weekly summer concerts. Crystal City has become known for Vintage Crystal and Crystal Couture which even though relatively new events, have brought attention and people to the area.
Both Rosslyn and Crystal City have made substantial contributions to the cultural scene that, absent the BIDs, would not have happened. The conversion of the former Newseum to a public cultural center in Rosslyn was aided both philisophically and financially by the Rosslyn BID. This will be Arlington’s largest dedicated cultural space when completed next year. Similarly, the Crystal City BID worked with the County and developer Vornado to convert a former moviehouse into a temporary home for Arena Stage, winning a Helen Hayes Award in the process. Crystal City also hosted the regional Artomatic show in 2008. The BIDs have made unique and substantial contributions to the cultural landscape.
Placemaking activities have also included landscaping, banners, farmers markets and public art projects. These increase street life and visual interest and reinforce their images as high end “complete communities” - great places to work, live or visit.
Arlington’s two business improvement districts have proven to be capable supplements to our economic development efforts. They market and change the external perceptions of their communities; it is likely that the efforts of the BIDs have done more to create positive perceptions than has any redevelopment over the past several years. The BIDs have become essential partners in AED’s efforts to tout Arlington as the premier office and hotel market in the D.C. region.
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