Plan Commission approves 2024 year-end reports from four business improvement districts

The Green Bay Plan Commission on Feb. 24 approved year-end financial reports for four city business improvement districts and voted to forward the reports to the City Council meeting on March 4.

The reports, presented by city economic development staff and BID representatives, summarized 2024 spending, unspent funds the districts plan to carry forward and major projects under way.

Rebecca Finko, economic development specialist in the Community and Economic Development Department, introduced the presentations and said the packets include budget-to-actuals for each BID. On Broadway representative Bridal Johnson told commissioners the On Broadway BID rolled over unspent design funds for delayed projects such as public art, seating and bike racks; the BID authorized carrying those funds into the next year and expects to implement the projects. Johnson said On Broadway continues an administrative allocation introduced during COVID to support operating capacity, and that the organization supplements the BID allocation with fundraising to cover annual maintenance and lighting costs. She said On Broadway added two murals in 2024, runs marketing campaigns that help attract visitors and has a retail incubator project that remains on hold while staff seeks a feasible space; funds for the incubator were carried forward.

Jeff Birkett, speaking for Downtown Green Bay Inc., said there were no major variances between the 2024 budget and actuals. Birkett said the organization now oversees two improvement districts and contributes roughly one-third of the combined organization’s budget; he highlighted investments in lighting, events and business services and said he expects recent residential development to increase downtown activity.

Representatives for Old Main Street Inc. reported a smaller budget but rising occupancy and new business activity, including a café and a recently refurbished headquarters for a multistate company.

Leah Heiker, director of the Military Avenue BID, said the newest BID has transitioned accounting to QuickBooks and reported a $450,000 restricted grant — an anonymous donation held by the nonprofit for a proposed permanent year-round farmers market. Heiker said that donation is not BID assessment revenue but is held by the nonprofit entity and that discussions are ongoing about possible sites and whether a donated building would be transferred to the city. She also said Military Avenue is nearly fully leased, is budgeting for a full-time staff position and will use new banners and marketing tied to the upcoming draft event.

All four reports were approved by voice votes during the meeting. Commissioners did not receive public comment on the reports during the Plan Commission hearing; each approval will be transmitted to the City Council on March 4 for final acceptance.