The Vital Role of Commercial Associations: Fostering Community and Economic Growth
Downtown Ann Arbor is more than just a collection of buildings and businesses; it's the beating heart of our city, where culture, commerce, and community converge. The State Street District, Main Street Area Association, and Kerrytown District Association stand out as pillars of support for the downtown community. In this blog post, we'll delve into the collective impact of commercial associations in downtowns and how they contribute to the growth and vitality of our beloved downtown.
Understanding 501(c)(6) Nonprofit Status:
Before we explore the roles of these commercial associations, it's essential to understand what a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization is. A 501(c)(6) designation is granted by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to business leagues, chambers of commerce, trade associations, and other similar organizations. Unlike charitable nonprofits (501(c)(3) organizations), which focus on charitable, educational, religious, or scientific purposes, 501(c)(6) organizations are primarily formed to promote the common business interests of their members. This designation allows them to engage in activities such as lobbying, advocacy, and marketing on behalf of their members, while still receiving certain tax benefits; a proven model across the country.
Fostering Community Engagement:
Commercial associations play a unique role in fostering community engagement and social cohesion within our respective district. From organizing neighborhood clean-up events and beautification projects to hosting street closures and art fairs, associations create opportunities for residents, visitors, and businesses to connect and celebrate the spirit of downtown, serving as stewards of their communities, promoting a sense of belonging and pride among stakeholders. Their primary purpose is to promote the common interests and goals of their members, working closely with local government entities while operating independently.
Supporting Local Businesses:
A key focus of the commercial associations is to support and promote local businesses within their districts. Through targeted marketing campaigns, cooperative advertising initiatives, and partnerships programs, associations provide invaluable resources and support to downtown merchants. Whether it's advocating for improved signage or wayfinding, facilitating networking opportunities, or organizing promotional events and sales, the associations play a role in driving foot traffic and sales for local establishments.
Advocating for Downtown's Interests:
In addition to efforts to support local businesses, commercial associations serve as advocates for the interests of downtown stakeholders. By liaising with city officials, policymakers, and other community organizations, associations work to address issues such as parking, infrastructure improvements, safety concerns, and zoning regulations that impact the vitality of their districts. Through collective advocacy and collaboration, these associations ensure that the voice of downtown Ann Arbor is heard and that policies are enacted to promote the continued growth and success of the downtown business community.
Engagment with Associations
Engaging with these organizations not only fosters personal growth and community connections but also empowers individuals to contribute meaningfully to the betterment of downtown. By volunteering time, expertise, or resources, residents and stakeholders can directly influence the direction and impact of initiatives aimed at enhancing the vibrancy and inclusivity of our downtown district. Whether it's participating in clean-up events, serving on committees, or attending community meetings, every act of engagement strengthens the collective voice and capacity for positive change.
Furthermore, staying informed about local issues, developments, and opportunities allows individuals to advocate for policies and projects that align with their values and priorities. Together, through active engagement, informed decision-making, and collaborative action, we can come together and build upon the successes of our downtown associations and shape a future that reflects the aspirations and needs of our community. Join us in making a difference—get involved, volunteer, and stay informed to do more good!
What’s next?
The collective impact of a downtown business association cannot be overstated. Together, commercial associations serve as the backbone of downtown communities, playing a pivotal role in fostering engagement, supporting local businesses, and advocating for the interests of downtown stakeholders. After all, what good is a downtown without a thriving business community at its heart? As we look ahead to celebrate the vibrancy and diversity of downtown Ann Arbor, it's crucial to recognize and appreciate the invaluable contributions of these associations to the growth and vitality of our beloved city. To find out more about joining State Street District, click HERE!
References:
City of Ann Arbor. (2022). Ann Arbor Community Values and Priorities Survey. Retrieved from https://www.a2gov.org/departments/community-services/planning-and-development/long-range-planning/Pages/Community-Values-and-Priorities.aspx
International Downtown Association. (n.d.). Resources. Retrieved from https://downtown.org/sub-topics/research/
Urban Land Institute. (n.d.). Publications. Retrieved from https://americas.uli.org/publications/
National Association of Development Organizations. (n.d.). Resource Library. Retrieved from https://www.nado.org/resource-center/
American Planning Association. (n.d.). Research and Publications. Retrieved from https://www.planning.org/publications/