What Do We Do

Many times DGI is asked, what’s the difference between Downtown Greensboro Inc. and Action Greensboro or between Downtown Greensboro Inc., Greensboro Merchant’s Association and the Chamber of Commerce?

Downtown Greensboro Inc. is the ONLY official non-profit organization focusing entirely on downtown and more specifically on the Business Improvement District (BID) area outlined by specific boundaries. Downtown Greensboro Inc. was formed as an economic development organization focusing entirely on the economic development of downtown. Within those boundaries DGI is sensitive to providing services as contracted and agreed upon between the property’s owners within the BID, the City of Greensboro and Guilford County. While the other organizations often work with or partner with DGI they do not totally focus on the economic development of downtown Greensboro.

The following are questions that are commonly asked followed by brief answers. We hope this gives some clarification as to who we represent and how we work toward the goal of downtown development and revitalization.

What is a BID?  

A BID is the area considered traditionally as downtown and generally is a contiguous area within what is considered the downtown district. The boundaries are specific and are referred to as a Business Improvement District or BID. Those properties within the boundaries (BID) petitioned to have an extra tax imposed (self-imposed tax) that would go directly to providing extra services that are beyond the scope of the city/county. Traditionally, the scope of services provided include what is outlined by the Downtown Greensboro Inc. Board of Directors (work plan). These services are reviewed on a yearly basis and the budget is set accordingly. read more 

How is DGI funded?  

Currently, 56% of the budget goes toward Downtown Maintenance and Appearance, 14% toward Economic Development and 17% toward Marketing. Funds also come from the City of Greensboro, Guilford County, Greensboro Merchants Association, Greensboro Economic Development Alliance and many other supporters. For a listing of current contributors click here. DGI has expertise within its staff that allows DGI to provide services that are often contracted out in other cities; this is a cost saving to Downtown Greensboro Inc.

What is DGI’s focus?

DGI’s primary focus is to lead the development of downtown Greensboro. Our core purpose is to lead the development of downtown Greensboro as a prosperous and vibrant urban center, memorable and meaningful for those who choose to live, work, play and invest here.

What do you mean by development?

DGI first considers the boundaries within the BID while being sensitive to the properties that lie just outside these boundaries and envision how existing and future developments will impact the downtown and the surrounding areas. Properties are individually owned and while there are design guidelines and zoning laws to consider, the property owner is under no obligation to do anything beyond a basic development project or rehabilitation project.  DGI’s role is to work with the project or developer in order to gain the best project for the area; one that both the project coordinator/developer and the downtown will be pleased with in the long term. When developing projects within a downtown urban setting, there are often challenges that do not occur if the project were taking place outside the downtown in a more suburban setting.

When a project coordinator starts with DGI’s President, Ed Wolverton, they will be guided through a process that without DGI’s assistance could be a more cumbersome process than necessary. This applies to a small business owner who wishes to open a business downtown to the large multi million dollar projects. DGI’s goal is for the project to succeed.  Every aspect of the project is considered when DGI is involved from design details to even considering where trash will be disposed once the project is complete.

Who leads these efforts by DGI?

DGI consists of a 29 member board of directors. These directors must represent the overall property owners of the BID. They represent properties with values over $3 million, those from $1 million to $3 million, retail business, service/hospitality and non-profit. The board of directors meets the third Thursday of every other month and the executive committee meets on a monthly basis. There are also four full-time staff members and one part-time. Through this representation of downtown DGI establishes a work plan. DGI contracts with Service Group Inc. (SGI) for the Clean and Green program as part of the outlined work plan.

What is the DGI work plan?

There are three areas of focus within the work plan. These are agreed upon for DGI to provide the following services:  General Maintenance & Appearance Enhancements (provided by SGI); Marketing of the Downtown BID and  Economic Development (for details on how DGI did for the 2004-2005 fiscal year please go to our report of  August-October Progress Report and see the insert “Downtown Greensboro Inc. Annual Report to the Community 2005-2006).  The work plan also includes recruiting new businesses and investment to our center city; support the existing downtown small business community through marketing and business planning services; encourage the cultural vitality of downtown through special events and spearhead initiatives such as marketing the downtown and partnering with GMA to do so. For annual report (pdf) read more. For summary of reports, newsletters and enewsletters read more.

Do other cities have programs like DGI’s and are they operated the same?

Greensboro is one out of thousands of cities nationally and internationally with some form of downtown development/revitalization program. The most successful programs are organized the way Downtown Greensboro Inc. is organized: with a BID district and partnered with their city, have a full-time President/Executive Director and a board of directors representing those within the BID.

Does DGI get input from citizens and can I become involved?

While we have various committees, most of the committees are task oriented with specific goals and functions. Some committees are long term while others are short term until the project is completed. Citizens are encouraged to contact DGI if you have a specific area of interest. You may contact the DGI office at 336-379-0060 or info@downtowngreensboro.net and indicate your area of interest. If there is an opening on the committee DGI will be sure to contact you.

Revised Jan 2008