Elizabeth W. Cone Chairman		Tom Taylor Chair Elect, Treasurer		Susan S. Schwartz Secretary

Downtown Greensboro Inc. staff  click here

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? 

The major funding source for the organization is from Downtown business and property owners through the BID (Business Improvement District) that stakeholders endorsed in 2005.  In addition, the City of Greensboro and Guilford County contributes to DGI through annual contracts to provide economic development and other services for the area.   These contracts have specific, quantifiable outcomes that are targeted to growing the community's tax base.  DGI also receives contributions from its Annual Fund Drive.  Contributors include the Guilford Merchants Association, the Greensboro Economic Development Alliance, local foundations and dozens of individual supporters.  For a listing of current contributors click here. 

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?

A Board of Directors with 33 members lead the organization. These directors represent specific categories within the BID to insure representation by vested stakeholders in the center city. Categories include: Major Property Owners ($3 million value or more), Large Property Owners ($1 to $3 million), Small Property Owners ($1 million or less), Retail Shop Owner, Service/Hospitality Sector, Professional/Office Sector, Downtown Resident, At-Large and City Council Representatives.  The Board also includes five ex officio members.  These categories ensure that the Board is representative of the diverse interests and viewpoints in the center city.  The Board of Directors meets the third Thursday of each month. DGI employs a staff of four full-time members and one part-time.  DGI contracts with its Clean and Green program through an outside vendor.

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 the Clean and Green program); Marketing of the Downtown BID and  Economic Development.  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) click here. 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 Feb 2010