A Business Improvement Area (BIA) is established by business owners in a defined area to jointly raise and administer funds for various projects and promotional activities within the area throughout the year. Only businesses operating within a BIA boundary receive a BIA tax bill. BIA tax bills and property tax bills are unrelated. The BIA tax levy is collected by The City of Calgary on behalf of the BIA. The City does not benefit from the collection of BIA tax. All funds are transferred to the BIA, who work with business members within the respective BIA, to set priorities and budget.

Each BIA’s Board of Directors establishes a proposed annual budget which is submitted to City Council for approval. Once approved, a BIA tax rate is established for each BIA to raise the required revenue to meet their budget requirements. City Council approves the establishment of the BIA, its annual budget, and BIA tax rate.

Learn about current Business Improvement Areas funding allocation.