ABOUT US
Mission & Board Meetings
Auburn Downtown Partnership is a membership organization of residents, business & property owners, non-profit organizations & government entities. Through advocacy, marketing, promotion, event planning & collaborative efforts, we are committed to enhancing the appearance, economic viability & quality of life of the downtown community. The Board meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 8 AM on Zoom, or in person quarterly at rotating locations. Meetings are open to the public. Please RSVP if you would like to attend, call 315.252-7874.
BID District
The BID District is a unique mix of eateries, breweries, cultural attractions, lodging & boutique retail, banking & grocery, health & wellness offerings, and business & government services. BID members include approximately 110 property owners, 45 government departments or agencies, 350 businesses or organizations & 750+ downtown residents. The boundaries are determined by the property owners who voted in favor of creating the BID. To the west, the boundary is Plaza of the Arts, to the east, the boundary is Goodyear Tire, to the north, it is the Holiday Inn, and to the south, it is the Seward House Museum & Park.
Currently, about 110 downtown property owners contribute to the assessment tax. They pay an additional $3 plus dollars per $1000 of their assessed property value; with a cap of $5000 per property. Churches & government-owned properties are exempt from the tax. The BID members stand behind the District, and in turn, we focus resources within our boundaries for services & promotion to increase business and foot traffic. We so appreciate our stakeholders who contribute to our operating budget.
What does the Downtown ADP Do?
The ADP markets and promotes existing Downtown businesses and assists with the establishment of new businesses downtown. Our Beautification Crew cleans the Downtown streets & parks, ensuring they look their best. We fund and manage the annual Flower Program (donate here) that fills the flower pots, downtown parks & hanging baskets each summer season with a variety of plantings. We help organize special events & festivals, including First Fridays, the Crow Cawcus Convention, the Memorial Day Food Truck Rodeo, the Alter Ego Fashion Show, and the Annual City Tree Lighting. We also act as a liaison, providing communication between its members and the City of Auburn, as well as Cayuga County, or any other entity that may have a direct impact on Downtown Auburn. For more info on BID programs, click here.
What is a BID?
A BID is a state-designated area where the properties within the boundary are assessed an extra tax to contribute to the operation of the organization. The businesses, property owners, and residents within those boundaries make up the organization's membership. The Downtown Auburn Partnership strives to make Downtown Auburn a vibrant and attractive city center that residents can be proud of and that visitors are drawn to. Please patronize all the services and businesses here, so we can continue to prosper.
STAFF & BOARD
Our dedicated staff and Board of Directors work together to grow, promote, and improve the Downtown Auburn Business Improvement District.
Executive Officers
Andy Simkin, President, Phoenix Building Properties, LLC
Joe Bartolotta, Vice President, R&M Real Estate Group
Todd Borsa, Treasurer, Lyons National Bank & LEB Properties, Inc.
Board Members
Janie Anderson, Auburn Public Theater
Joe Bartolotta, R&M Real Estate Group
Todd Borsa, Lyons National Bank & LEB Properties, Inc.
Emily Cameron, Cayuga Community College
Dustin Culver, Parker’s 129
Mark DiVietro, Silbert Optical
Jeff Ludwig, Seward House Museum
Chuck Mason, City of Auburn Clerk’s Office
Matt Peirson, Roast & Toast
Sue Riordan, Riordan Realty
Andy Simkin, Phoenix Building Properties
Josh Sayre, Moro’s Table
Steve Selvek, City Planning & Economic Development
Andrew Simkin, Cayuga Phoenix Properties, LLC
Brian Rhodes, City of Auburn DPW
Staff
Jesse Kline, Assistant Director - jesse@auburndowntown.org
Kate Grindstaff, ERHC Visitor Experience Manager - kate@equalrightsheritage.com
Gillian Sears, ERHC Assistant Visitor Experience Manager - gillian@equalrightsheritage.com
Tom Corey, Beautification Supervisor - tommydirt@icloud.com
Our office is located in the Equal Rights Heritage Center, at 25 South Street, in the back volume of the building. To reach staff, please call 315.252-7874 or send an email. Request our downtown brochure listing all the places to shop, dine, play & stay, plus detailed info on the City’s parking options.
BID Sponsors
We thank our sponsors that help subsidize our Flower Power program and free community festivals & events: Auburn Beautification Commission, Chemung Canal Trust, the City of Auburn, Lyons National Bank, and Wegmans.
Header photo by Jimmy Giannettino.
