Central Square Business Improvement District (BID)

The Central Square Business Improvement District (BID) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that manages and improves the public realm in Central Square, Cambridge’s downtown and designated Cultural District. Its focus is Massachusetts Avenue from Albany Street to Bigelow Street, a major pedestrian corridor. The BID brings extra management and resources to the area through landscaping, street furniture, streetscape improvements, cleaning and lighting, along with arts programming and organized events.

The organization describes its approach as placekeeping: preserving what makes the neighborhood unique, including its arts, culture, local businesses and diverse communities. It works with partners to boost the district’s economic, social and cultural vitality for the people who work, live and visit there. Business improvement districts in other cities have shown benefits for their neighborhoods, and the BID applies that model to Central Square through cultural programming and public space stewardship.

What to Know

• The BID holds an annual meeting that is recorded and shared online.
• Residents and businesses can sign up for its newsletter.
• Its directory spans categories including eat and drink, shopping, arts and culture, services, education, nonprofits, health and fitness, and science and tech.