About the CID
The CWE Business Community Improvement District (CID) was formed in 2010 in accordance with the Community Improvement District Act, a Missouri statute. The CWE Business Community Improvement District fosters a vibrant, welcoming neighborhood for residents and visitors by supporting the needs of businesses, and by leading efforts to enhance the charm and character of the Central West End. Activities of the CID are made financially possible through a 1 percent retail sales tax within the District, situated along the North Euclid Avenue commercial corridor from Lindell Boulevard to Washington Boulevard.
Revenue is used to fund projects which include, but are not limited to: advertising, branding, special events, street landscaping, cleaning, public improvements, and maintenance. The overwhelming approval of this tax represents a long-term commitment by the residents and merchants in the District, as the special tax will be in place for a period of 10 years.
The activities of the CID are guided by a Board of Directors, which is comprised of business and commercial property owners throughout the District. The board acts as both ambassadors and active promoters of the area and its offerings. In addition to this governance group, the CID meets with stakeholders to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas, voicing of concerns, and collaboration on efforts between the merchants and community.
CID Programs & Resources
Marketing
The CID generates awareness and increases exposure of small businesses and positions the CWE as a unique destination to shop, dine and visit. The CID manages the website, social media, and publishes a monthly e-newsletter. It also promotes signature events and businesses through outdoor signage, including billboards, banners, directories, posters, and utilizes annual media buys to reach both local and regional audiences. It also invests in a variety of co-operative marketing and advertising campaigns.
All to help position the Central West End as one of the top visitor destinations in the City of St. Louis.
Events
The CID produces four “can’t-miss” signature events each year, including Back in Bloom, Cocktail Party, Halloween, and Window Walk, which draw thousands of people to the District. It also hosts 27 smaller events throughout the year, including the CWE Sidewalk Sale and the weekly Sounds of Summer Music Series. The CID maintains a robust, year-round neighborhood events calendar, highlighting business happenings throughout the District.
Public Realm & Streetscape Services
The CID beautifies and enhances the neighborhood through a variety of seasonal landscape and décor programs, with tulip bulbs in the spring, festive lighting and décor installed during the holidays, 150 American Flags displayed throughout the District from May-September, and year-round tree maintenance. The CID’s Clean Team are on the streets seven days a week, sweeping sidewalks and removing trash. They also remove snow and ice from sidewalks and crosswalks in the winter.
Safety
The CID collaborates with the CWE Neighborhood Security Initiative (NSI) to ensure that the Central West End is a safe environment for all residents, workers and visitors. The CID funds an off-duty foot patrol police officer seven nights a week throughout the year, to patrol the commercial district and provide assistance as needed.