Auburn’s downtown area is growing. While that growth means new businesses and more choices right here in town, it also produces new complications. One challenging difficulty included how – amid fast growth – the Business Improvement Area (BIA) and the Downtown Association (ADA) could best support success in Auburn’s business district.
The BIA and ADA have supported success in Auburn’s business community for the past 40 years by promoting local businesses to build interest and attract new customers. However, significant changes in Auburn’s community demanded a change in procedures. These administrative bodies needed to revamp and modernize to keep up. Ensuring that the BIA and ADA were equipped to meet new challenges faced by our community meant reviewing and amending long-held ordinances. Excitingly, the newly restructured BIA and ADA have produced results.
In the two years since their restructuring, the BIA and ADA have experienced an increase in business involvement. The added funding and strategic planning produced by more businesses working together has resulted in a revitalized downtown area. Downtown Auburn is even more attractive and – with the construction of nearly 400 new apartments – even more welcoming to new residents.
Adapting to changes in our community is essential to our success. We have learned how to work together to meet new challenges effectively, ensuring that our community continues to grow, and that Auburn is a place people want to live, work, and visit.