White Plains Business Improvement District (WPBID)

Founded in 1998, the White Plains Business Improvement District (WPBID) was formed to improve the general business climate and appearance of downtown White Plains. The WPBID is managed by the White Plains Downtown District Management Association, a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit corporation. The WPBID encompasses approximately 20 blocks, 300 businesses and 5.8 million square feet of commercial and retail floor area. The WPBID operates three major programs; street cleaning and beautification, special events and marketing and business promotion.

The Clean Team works 7 days to insure that the downtown’s litter baskets are emptied and loose trash on the sidewalk is removed. The Team also removes gum from the downtown sidewalks and works closely with the City’s Department of Public Works to keep the downtown clean.

The WPBID also plants and maintains 36 large street planters with a dazzling array of flowers, bringing significant beauty to our major downtown corridors.

In 2016, the WPBID managed and/or participated in 21 special events which brought over 38,000 people to downtown White Plains. The event patrons come away with a stronger affinity for the downtown’s many shops, restaurants and services. For a complete list of WPBID special events go to www.wpbid. com/events.

The WPBID’s Shop White Plains discount card program helps generate traffic to downtown shops and restaurants. Shop White Plains cardholders are provided with the ability to obtain discounts on goods and services purchased within the BID. The program is free to participating merchants.

The WPBID promotes shopping at BID retailers and restaurants through its newsletter, website and social media. Every two years, the WPBID updates its colorful downtown Restaurant Guide and distributes over 5,000 copies to area residents, employers, community organizations, hotels, and government agencies. In November, the WPBID organizes and promotes the city’s Small Business Saturday event which occurs annually the first Saturday after Thanksgiving.

The WBID promotes the city and its businesses through press releases, advertising, attendance at trade shows, social media, and by handling confidential requests associated with business relocations.