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The CBID is a public/private partnership providing services to specific properties in the City, through a public assessment. State laws provide authority for municipalities to create publicly financed BIDs in partnership with their municipality and to designate a District Management Corporation. BIDs are not government programs.
The CSSD is the designated District Management Corporation (DMC) for the Camden Business Improvement District (CBID). The CBID works with the City to supplement and enhance existing services in the district and provide additional enhancements and focus. Funding is created through an annual assessment on property in the district, collected by the City, but transferred and controlled by the CBID.
A comprehensive overview of dining, attractions, parks, and public spaces, and much more in the Camden Business Improvement District.
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The CBID is a public/private partnership providing services to specific properties in the City, through a public assessment. State laws provide authority for municipalities to create publicly financed BIDs in partnership with their municipality and to designate a District Management Corporation. BIDs are not government programs.
BIDs operate as public-private partnerships (business, government and community) with a singular focus – to improve and sustain business communities by leveraging investment to increase quality of life standards, the customer base, and enhance property values in the district.
A successful downtown needs a clean, safe, beautiful, vibrant and welcoming commercial district that:
Expands business opportunities
Builds customer and consumer satisfaction
Promotes a competitive economy
Encourages foot traffic and visitor activity not only during the work week, but on nights and weekends
Markets business and social opportunities
Allows the district to prosper and serves to increase community and property values
The BID was authorized by ordinance by the City of Camden and brought about through a planning process with City, County, business, non-profit, and residential representatives.
The municipality assigns a District Management Corporation (DMC). That entity is typically a non-profit organization, separate and distinct from the municipality itself. The City of Camden assigned the Camden Special Services District (CSSD) as the DMC for the BID. The DMC is governed by the CSSD Board of Directors comprised of business and property owners, residents, community organizations, and one member from the governing body.
The CBID is paid for through an assessment on designated properties within the BID boundary. State law allows for local self-determination regarding funding mechanisms. The proposed funding methods recommended for the Camden BID are a combination of assessments, Payments in Lieu of Assessments (PILOA’s) and/or fees based off of a percentage of the total tax rate. Additional funding sources such as contributions, grants and/or fee-for-service contracts may be used to support additional activities in the district.
The CBID budget is prepared by the Camden Special Services District and reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors. Camden City Council reviews and approves the BID budget annually and collects the BID assessments and fees to be distributed to the assigned district management corporation.
The following property classes will be assessed:
Class 1 Vacant Lands
Class 4A Commercial Properties with a net value at or above $400,000.00
Class 4B Industrial Properties
Class 4C Apartments of 5 or more units
Class 15D Charitable Properties with a net value at or above $10,000,000.00
Class 15F Other Exempt Properties with a net value at or above $1,000,000.00
The following property classes in the district will NOT be assessed:
Class 2 Residential Properties
Class 15A Public School Properties
Class 15B Other School Properties
Class 15C Public Properties – except those that accept PILOA or fee for service
Class 15D Churches/Charitable Properties with a net value under $10,000,000.00
Class 15F Other Tax-Exempt Properties below $1,000,000.00
These Class 15 A, C and D may be exempt, however may Pay in Lieu of Assessment or a Fee for Service
The BID boundaries are identified in the BID Maps and capture the businesses with a meaningful footprint within the district impact area. Generally, the downtown BID boundary runs from the Cooper River to the Delaware River (East-West) and from Elm Street to Clinton Street (North-South). The BID boundary is designated by block and lot by City Ordinance.
Concerns can be reported to the CSSD/CBID hotline at 856.379.3389
The CSSD cleans city streets and sidewalks, empties trash cans, trims weeds along the commercial corridor, removes graffiti tags and handbills within the Camden downtown Business Improvement District, generally the area between the Cooper and Delaware Rivers (east/west boundary) between Elm Street and Clinton Street (north/south boundary). Call our new hotline number to report a concern.
