Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) in Philadelphia
Life periods served
Where the program was applied
Country of application
Description

This is a crime prevention program to protect commercial establishments, linked to a non-profit organization created by owners and merchants of the Business Development District. The objective is to promote local and public safety improvements through services, activities, and programs that include security patrols, sidewalk maintenance, graffiti removal, promotion of local businesses, and improved parking lots and lighting.

Impact evaluations

One impact evaluation found that the program led to a reduction in crime overall, with displacement to other areas [1]. Another study verified reductions in robberies, assaults, vehicle thefts and burglaries, arrests, and crime displacement [2].

Bibliographic reference

[1] Brooks, L. (2008). Volunteering to be taxed: Business improvement districts and the extra-governmental provision of public safety. Journal of Public Economics, 92(1-2), 388–406. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpubeco.2007.07.002

[2] Cook, P. J. & MacDonald, J. (2011). Public Safety through Private Action: An Economic Assessment of BIDS. The Economic Journal, 121(552), 445–462. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-0297.2011.02419.x

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