Improvement Districts

The improvement district approach is holistic

All issues that may be negatively impacting on the area are investigated and dealt with on an integrated basis.

Enhancement of the environment and strengthening investor confidence

Enhancing the safety, cleanliness and economic vitality of different business, retail and commercial nodes strengthens the competitiveness in the region.

The improvement district supports investment

The perception of crime, grime and general environmental disorder in most urban areas has a negative impact on staff, willingness of customers to visit the area and thus business growth and development.

An improvement district creates a positive identity for the area

The establishment of an improvement district provides a new and positive identity from which to launch a concerted effort to maintain and enhance the asset base in the area thus attracting continued investment and development.

The improvement district offers private sector management and accountability

Once the improvement district is set up, a management body is then established in the form of a section 21 company. This company appoints a manager through which improvement district is managed. Annual activities and budgets are developed by the improvement district management company who provides a full set of monthly management accounts all of which are overseen by the board. This ensures that the improvement district is directly accountable to those in the business community who pay the levy.

The effectiveness of the improvement district is constantly measurable

By mounting regular surveys, which are compared to the results of an initial perception survey of the area, the board and all stakeholders are able to measure the success of the initiative.

Improvement districts monitor any new major developments or interventions that impact the area

As the custodian of the area the Improvement District is aware and comments on developments in the area. This could include projects such as the Gautrain project.

Improvement districts have effective working relationships with appropriate bodies or associations

These relationships could include Council, the Johannesburg Tourism Company, local tourism associations.

The improvement district is able to put forward ideas for change to council

Due to its close relationship with council, the improvement district is able to petition for new initiatives which will further improve the area. This can include traffic surveys.