Business Development Districts & Special Service Areas

Business Development Districts (BDD) & Special Service Areas (SSA)

Context
The City Council is considering approval of a Business Development District (BDD) at Glen Hollow Shopping Center. BizPAC supports thoughtful economic development that strengthens Peoria’s business climate. Our goal is not to oppose BDDs/SSAs outright as they can be an effective tool for economic development, but to ensure policies are applied consistently, transparently, and in the best long-term interests of taxpayers and local businesses.

Key Questions for Council Consideration

Eligibility & Standards
• Will any shopping center that requests a BDD/SSA be granted one?
• What requirements will guide approval (e.g., size, vacancy, new investment)?
• If Glen Hollow qualifies, does this set precedent for all shopping centers?

Use of Funds
• How will the City ensure funds aren’t spent on routine expenses?
• Can funds be used to purchase property? If so, why should taxpayers subsidize acquisitions?
• Will developers provide detailed budgets showing need and plans?

Impact on Taxpayers
• How do we avoid using public funds to bail out poor investments?
• Will national tenants (e.g., Target, Lowe’s) benefit directly or indirectly?
• How will consumers be informed about higher tax rates in BDDs?

Equity & Fairness
• Can local entrepreneurs or single-business owners apply for a BDD/SSA?
• Why would national retailers qualify while local businesses may not?
• Will approving one BDD trigger a wave of similar requests citywide?

BizPAC’s Position
BizPAC encourages the City Council to:
• Establish clear, transparent criteria for all BDD/SSA approvals.
• Require budgets, financial transparency, and accountability from applicants.
• Ensure fair treatment of national chains and local entrepreneurs.
• Protect taxpayers from bailouts or subsidies for routine expenses.

BizPAC requests that the City Council proceed with considering the Glen Hollow BDD only after a clear policy has been created that addresses our above questions and concerns.

We look forward to working with the City Council to balance economic revitalization with fiscal responsibility, creating a stronger business environment for all of Peoria.

Prepared by BizPAC • Peoria, Illinois • www.bizpacillinois.com