The mission of the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District is to restore, promote and maintain the character and viability of downtown Albany and improve the quality of life and overall image for those who live in, work in, and visit the Capital City.

Core Services

Advocacy

Often behind the scenes, the BID constantly works on behalf of property owners and merchants (and potential new ones) to create an environment favorable in terms of cleanliness, planning issues, police safety, and much more. We hold relationships with City, County and State departments advocating through red tape to ensure the progress of a holistic Downtown.

Beautification

From hanging flower baskets to decorative sidewalk planters to the annual holiday light display, the BID purchases, installs and maintains downtown Albany streets and public spaces ensuring a safe and creative atmosphere.

Place Making

Formerly titled, Sculpture in the Streets, the program is designed to bring a fresh place making concept for the public to engage with each year.

Safety

In addition to the BID’s collaborative partnership with the Albany Police Department’s Community Outreach Program to enhance downtown, beat cops are assigned to the Downtown business centre Monday through Saturday throughout the day and evening.

Marketing & Communications

Working hand-in-hand with over 300 businesses, large and small, the BID develops and manage a multitude marketing and communications channels promoting the good and services of our Stakeholders, including the Downtown Digest Newsletter, E-newsletters, Ribbon Cutting Celebrations, Public Relations efforts, Social Media, Special Events, Welcome Kits and of course the BID’s website. We also provide one-on-one consulting for your specific businesses.

Clean Team

On the street day in and day out, the Clean Team Ambassadors average over 5,000 hours a year addressing clean and safe issues throughout the district. Their daily tasks include keeping sidewalks clean and free from litter with broom and pan as well as clearing the sidewalks and crosswalks from snow and ice. Working above and beyond, the Clean Team also works closely with the Department of General Services (DGS) on trash and recycling removal, lighting issues, sidewalk and street infrastructure, greenery, traffic, large event clean-up and safety concerns. Additionally, the Clean Team is more than happy to provide visitors with directions or recommend venues, attractions or events.

Special Events

Strategic in nature, the Downtown Albany BID offers special events as a platform for the public to engage with Downtown and its business in creative ways. Special events include Restaurant Week, the Bites Camera Action movie series, Residential Open House, pet-friendly events at the Olde English Downtown Dog Park, and more. The BID also partners on events to support the growth of participation by the public and merchants: SUNY Farmer’s Market, PearlPalooza, The St. Patrick’s Day Parade to name a few.

Business Attraction

The Downtown Albany BID provides comprehensive information for those looking to invest in Downtown. Learn more about the benefits of commercial, retail and residential investment in downtown Albany and connect the dots to information on Downtown’s unique attributes, accessibility, quality of life, financing options, market data and more. Even better, contact us to discuss your next project. We’ll even set up a tour of Downtown and introduce you to other successful businesses in the area.

Staff
Board
Georgette Steffens headshot

GEORGETTE STEFFENS

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
518.465.2143 X115

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Georgette Steffens was appointed Executive Director in September 2009. Prior to joining the BID, Georgette was the Director of Operations of Triad Consulting Group, Inc. of Cambridge Massachusetts, a consulting group which specializes in communications and negotiation to assist organizations in building capacity to manage difficult conversations and critical relationships within their work environment.   Ms. Steffens worked for the City of Albany, serving as Director of the Albany HomeStore.  Additionally, she held positions as Economic Developer for the City of Albany in the Department of Planning and Development, where her main focus was downtown development and the City's riverfront, and Program Coordinator for the Center for Economic Growth.

 

Ms. Steffens serves as the Chairperson of the Albany Port District Commission and is a Board Member of the New York State Urban Council.  She holds a BA from Johnson State College in Vermont.

 

 

 

 

Don Wilson headshot

DON WILSON

OPERATIONS MANAGER
518.465.2143 X112

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Don joined the BID in January 2010. As operations manager, Don is responsible for the development, administration, and implementation of programs that enhance the quality of life in downtown Albany. One of Don’s largest, permanent projects to date has been the completion of the new Olde English Downtown Dog Park. Don acts as a liaison for the Albany Police and other City Departments to ensure code compliance and safety within the District. In addition to overseeing the day-to-day operations of the contracted Clean Team Ambassadors, the group who helps keep sidewalks clear of litter, snow and ice, he also works closely with the Department of General Services in order to continually improve visual appeal and infrastructure throughout the District while responding to the needs of Stakeholders.

 

In his previous position, Don was the General Manager at The Mailworks, a direct mail solutions company based in Albany, NY. During his tenure at The Mailworks, Don honed his skills in managing profitable operations, which was highlighted by an effective combination of customer service and sales training with new market development, operations, and business analysis. Prior to The Mailworks, Don served as General Manager for Empire Brewing Company in Syracuse, NY before relocating to the Capital Region. His demonstrable skill of working and negotiating with businesses and consumers alike allows Don to have an immediate impact at the BID. Don holds a BS in Criminal Justice from the State University College at Brockport.

Rebecca Hughes headshot

REBECCA HUGHES

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
518.465.2143 X117

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Rebecca re-joined the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District team in September 2018. As Marketing & Communications Manager, she handles social media, print and digital newsletters, ribbon cuttings, and ongoing marketing and communications projects for the BID, all with the objective of featuring Downtown as a great place to work, live, and play. Rebecca works with each team member to develop and implement campaigns highlighting the BID's wide variety of Stakeholders, events, hidden gems and ongoing attractions. Her passion lies in anything animal related - so don't be surprised if she approaches you to take a picture of your dog (all in the name of promoting Downtown, of course).


 
Rebecca's previous roles have included working as a journalist, editor, community engagement editor, and marketing campaign strategist. When she's not at the BID, Rebecca can be found reading, re-watching her favorite sitcoms, and playing with her dog Groot (who's allergic to people - yes, really).

Jevan Dollard headshot

JEVAN DOLLARD

SPECIAL EVENTS MANAGER
518.465.2143 X111

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Jevan joined the BID in August 2022. As Special Events Manager, Jevan is responsible for the fundraising, implementation, and management of the BID’s signature events. He is also tasked with designing new event concepts and projects that improve the quality of life in Downtown while showcasing the District’s attributes. Jevan’s foremost objective is to highlight downtown Albany as a destination, by creating exciting, memorable experiences for all to enjoy. Jevan works collaboratively with many local government offices, arts and tourism organizations, cultural venues, and businesses to achieve the most successful outcome for all events in Downtown. Jevan holds a B.A. in Communications from the University at Albany, SUNY.

 

His previous experience includes five years working with Albany’s Lark Street BID, where he served as Co-Executive Director, and was responsible for the planning and execution of signature events such as LarkFest and Art On Lark, and the introduction of successful events including the Chili Chowder Stroll and Lark Street Restaurant Week.

 

During his free time, you’ll find Jevan attending a concert, cooking, cycling, or enjoying a delicious coffee pour-over.

Molly Eadie headshot

MOLLY EADIE

MARKETING & EVENTS COORDINATOR
518.465.2143 X116

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Molly Eadie joined the BID in January 2023. As Marketing and Special Events Coordinator, she supports the implementation of special events and marketing activities for all BID programs. Molly is a writer and social media specialist with more than 10 years’ experience in the news and communications industries. Molly has worked as a news reporter for the Troy Record and Saratogian newspapers and as a PR associate at Duncan Crary Communications. She holds a B.A. in Documentary Studies and Journalism from SUNY Albany, where she served as editor-in-chief of the Albany Student Press.

 

Molly has traveled to more than a dozen countries, and worked as an English language tutor in classrooms in Vietnam and online with students from more than 30 countries. When Molly is not working at the BID, she can be found crocheting at home or hosting Honky Tonk Bingo, a monthly celebration of classic country music.

Board of Directors


 

Headshot of Elizabeth Young Jojo

PRESIDENT

 

ELIZABETH YOUNG JOJO

Redburn Development Partners

 

Headshot of Lisa Reddy Farrell

VICE-PRESIDENT

 

LISA REDDY FARRELL

Omni Development Company, Inc.

 

Kenneth Countermine headshot

TREASURER

 

KENNETH COUNTERMINE

Community Bank

Headshot of Neil McGreevy

SECRETARY

 

NEIL MCGREEVY

McGreevy ProLab & ProPress

 

 

Board Members


 

Headshot of Riley Ackley

RILEY ACKLEY

Class B Director

Downtown Resident

Leola Edelin headshot

LEOLA EDELIN

Class A Director

Renaissance Albany

Headshot of Leyla Kiosse

LEYLA KIOSSE

Class B Director

The Yard Hatchet House & Bar

Lena Hart headshot

LENA HART

Class A Director

Precision Fitness

Mohamed Hemmid headshot

MOHAMED HEMMID

Class A Director

Hampton Inn & Suites - Albany-Downtown

Benn MacDonald headshot

BENN MACDONALD

Class A Director

Far Shot Albany

Headshot of Angelo Maddox

ANGELO MADDOX

Class B Director

Fresh & Fly Clothing

Frank O'Connor III headshot

FRANK O'CONNOR III

Class a Director

Gleason, Dunn, Walsh & O'Shea

Headshot of Dan McCoy

HON. DANIEL P. MCCOY

Class D Director

Albany County Executive

Lucas Rogers headshot

LUCAS ROGERS

Class D Director

Albany County

Darius Shahinfar headshot

HON. DARIUS SHAHINFAR

Class C Director

Treasurer, City of Albany

Kathy Sheehan headshot

HON. KATHY M. SHEEHAN

Class C Director

Mayor, City of Albany

Joshua Wainman headshot

JOSHUA WAINMAN

Class A Director

Wainschaf Associates

Frank Zeoli headshot

FRANK ZEOLI

Class C Director

City of Albany, DGS

ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2022 Annual Report | 2022 Financial Statement

Downtown BID boundary map

 

DOWNTOWN ALBANY BID BOUNDARIES

Map of the BID's Service Area

The Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) represents an area of approximately 50 square blocks bounded on the north by Clinton Avenue, on the south by Madison Avenue, on the east by Broadway and on the west by Eagle Street. Membership in the Downtown Albany BID is defined by specific address.

 

A map of the BID boundaries may be downloaded using the link below (boundary lines indicate both sides of the street.). If you have any questions regarding the District Boundaries, please contact the BID at 518.465.2143.

 

Download the BID boundary map

 

Committees

Clean & Safe Committee

The Clean and Safe Committee guides departmental actions that include increasing lighting, greening Downtown and improving gateways and connective corridors. The Committee meets as needed to identify priorities regarding safety, cleanliness, and beautification as it relates to the Downtown Albany BID’s mission.

Special Events Committee

The Special Events Committee is responsible for overseeing, evaluating, and enhancing the BID’s new and existing event programming. The Committee meets as needed to evaluate event outcomes and suggest improvements, as well as hear ideas from committee members, staff, and Stakeholders for new events that support the Downtown Albany BID’s overall mission. 

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee guides the BID’s retention and recruitment activities for office and retail/retail related businesses. They work to attract additional development, while supporting existing investment. The Committee meets 4-6 times per year.

Marketing Committee

The Marketing Committee guides departmental actions that include ongoing marketing and communication efforts, and initiatives indicated in the Downtown Albany BID's Strategic Plan. The Committee meets as needed to evaluate and enhance staff efforts in support of our organization's mission.

Interested in learning more about these committees?

CONTACT: 

Downtown Albany BID
518.465.2143
[email protected]

Internship
Volunteer

INTERNSHIP PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Downtown Albany BID's intern program provides an excellent opportunity for emerging business leaders to acquire professional skills and connections. Interns are vital in the successful coordination and implementation of important programs and initiatives, and each is given at least one major project to manage during their BID tenure.

Internships are available during the fall, spring and summer. While most interns are junior or senior level in college, on occasion the BID will consider exceptional college sophomore students as potential candidates. As projects arise, we also look for graduate students with specific skill sets.

 

General Requirements

  • Articulate, organized, enthusiastic
  • Must be able to work in a team environment
  • Willingness to take initiative and work independently when necessary
  • Excellent communication, writing and computer skills
  • Semester long internship - work shifts must be a minimum of four hours
  • Junior/senior undergraduates or graduate students
  • Travel through the BID districts & make personal contact with business owners

Application

  • Cover letter explaining why you are seeking an internship with the BID
  • Resume

Cover letter and resume may be sent to: [email protected]

Dedicated volunteers are essential to the success of the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District’s (BID) goals and initiatives.


Interested in assisting in our next big event? Contact Jevan Dollard | 518.465.2143 x111 to be connected with our Volunteer Coordinator.