There are 12 Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) throughout Seattle, including one in the University District. BIAs are authorized by State law and enable property owners to charge a fee to themselves to supplement cleaning, safety, and marketing to improve each neighborhood business district.

Consideration of the BIA by the City Council will be a six-week process:

• Wednesday, May 20: Briefing and Discussion at the Community & Economic Development Committee;
• Wednesday, May 27: another discussion at CED Committee AND a public hearing;
• Wednesday, June 3: possible approval by CED Committee;
• Monday, June 8: possible adoption by full City Council;
• Friday, June 19: deadline for Mayor signature;
• Sunday, July 19: Effective Date (if signed by Mayor June 19).

Let us know your thoughts:

• E-Mail: you can write to me as the District 4 Councilmember at Alex.Pedersen@seattle.gov or to the entire City Council at Council@seattle.gov
• Virtual one-on-one meeting: nearly every Friday afternoon, I have office hours. During the COVID emergency, we are having them by telephone or Skype. Sign up the usual way via my website: https://www.seattle.gov/council/meet-the-council/alex-pedersen/request-a-meeting-in-district-4
• Public Comment: Sign-up registration begins two hours before the 2:00 p.m. meeting start time. Speakers must be registered in order to be recognized by the Chair: http://www.seattle.gov/council/committees/public-comment.