ARLINGTON COUNTY, VIRGINIA. County Board Agenda Item Meeting of February 23, 2019

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1 ARLINGTON COUNTY, VIRGINIA County Board Agenda Item Meeting of February 23, 2019 DATE: February 15, 2019 SUBJECT: Request to authorize advertisement of a public hearing to consider the Calendar Year 2019 Ballston Business Improvement District (Ballston BID) tax rate. C. M. RECOMMENDATION: Advertise for a public hearing on April 4, 2019, to consider a proposed Calendar Year (CY) 2019 tax rate for the Ballston Business Improvement Service District ( Ballston BID ) of a tax rate not to exceed $0.053 per $100, a continuation of the $0.008 increase to the base $0.045 rate, using the attached resolution (Attachment I). ISSUES: As part of the regular budget process, authorization from the County Board is being requested to advertise a public hearing to consider the tax rate for the Ballston BID to fund the Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 budget and work plan. The setting of this additional tax rate requires a public hearing, and this hearing must be publicly noticed. SUMMARY: Assessments for the Ballston BID in CY 2019 increased 4.91 percent compared to the CY 2018 assessments. In CY 2018, the County Board adopted a tax rate of $0.053, a onetime increase of $0.008 to cover a decline in CY 2018 revenues caused by decreased assessed values in the Ballston BID district. In CY 2019, the County Board is being asked to consider continuing the BID tax rate of $0.053 per $100 of assessed value. At this rate the Ballston BID would generate $1.76 million, $82,542 more than in CY If the County Board adopted a lower rate comparable to CY 2017 ($0.045/$100) then the Ballston BID district would generate $1.5 million, $183,683 less than CY The Ballston Business Improvement District Corporation (BBID Corp.), the private corporation under contract with the County Board to assist in implementing the Ballston BID goals, is currently evaluating the feasibility of a permanent tax rate increase. This permanent tax rate increase would not exceed a rate of $0.053 per $100 of assessed value. A final recommendation on the tax rate will be made by the BBID Corp. in collaboration with their Board of Shareholders and will be proposed to the County Board before the BID s Budget work session on March 14, County Manager: ##### County Attorney: ***** 27. C. Staff: Danielle Bush, DMF

2 BACKGROUND: In December 2010, the County Board approved the Ballston BID to further promote the development of Ballston. The District, which began operation on January 1, 2011, was created with an initial five (5) year term, which was extended indefinitely by the County Board on April 16, Modeled after the Rosslyn BID created in 2002, the Ballston BID is designed to provide Marketing and Promotion, Community Events and Outreach, Public Realm and Beautification, Transportation, Economic Development, and Administration and Management. The Ballston BID is entering its ninth year of operation. The service district levies an ad valorem property tax on real estate located within the district. The District includes only commercial properties, including commercial office and retail properties. By law, the extra services provided in the district must be directed at properties included within the district. The additional tax levy is established, assessed, and collected through the normal County tax billing and collection processes. The County Board, as the governing body, approves the services, appropriation level and management of the District. DISCUSSION: The business improvement service district comprises 100 parcels in Ballston (Attachment II). The proposed budget and work plan funds enhanced services in the following categories:1) Marketing and Promotion; 2) Community Events and Outreach; 3) Public Realm and Beautification; 4) Transportation; 5) Economic Development; 6) Administration and Management and other services as deemed desirable by the Board of Directors and as approved by the County Board. The proposed tax rate that is not to exceed $0.053 per $100 of assessed value will generate revenue of $1.76 million compared to the current tax rate of $0.045, which generates $1.50 million. A revised work plan and budget based on the FY 2020 assessment numbers and proposed tax rate are included in the attachments. PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT: A public tax rate hearing will occur on April 4, 2019, to consider a proposed Calendar Year (CY) 2019 tax rate for the Ballston BID. FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact to the County for the additional tax rate imposed on the Ballston Business Improvement Service District. The County receives 2% of the service district s supplemental tax rate revenue to offset the costs of administering the Ballston Business Improvement Service District. These funds are included in the County Manager s FY 2020 Proposed Budget

3 ATTACHMENT I RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A 2019 TAX LEVY RATE FOR THE BALLSTON BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT SERVICE DISTRICT ( BALLSTON BID ) RESOLVED, that the County Board of Arlington County, acting as the governing body of the Ballston Business Improvement Service District ( Ballston BID ), does hereby establish a calendar year 2019 tax levy for the District in the amount of up to $0.053 per one hundred dollars of assessed value of all taxable real estate located within the boundaries of the Ballston Business Improvement Service District ( Ballston BID ), and; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County Board of Arlington County, acting as the governing body of the Ballston BID, does hereby approve the proposed FY 2020 work plan and budget in accordance with and as a part of the Services Agreement with the Ballston Business Improvement District, Inc., and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that such taxes, when and if appropriated by the County Board, acting as the governing body of the Ballston Business Improvement Service District ( Ballston BID ), shall be used solely to fund the Budget and Work Program of the District as adopted by the County Board for the purposes of the District. Kendra Jacobs, Clerk Arlington County Board

4 ATTACHMENT II

5 FY2020 WORKPLAN & BUDGET

6 About the BID Founded in 2011, the Ballston BID is a 501(c)(6) organization that is governed by a 23-member Board of Directors who are elected or Countyappointed to represent commercial property owners; tenants; cultural and recreational interests; educational, community and science/technology interests. 119 PROPERTIES* 118 ACRES 7.4M SF OFFICE SPACE 1.1M SF RETAIL SPACE 31,000 EMPLOYEES 13,000 RESIDENTS 4,800 APARTMENTS** 2,700 APARTMENTS ON THE WAY *Data for properties, acreage, office & retail space, employees, and residents provided by Arlington County and Arlington Economic Development **Data for number of existing and incoming apartments determined by development plans provided by Arlington County Department of Community Planning Housing and Development and Arlington County Department of Management and Finance 2

7 BOARD OF DIRECTORS STAFF Committees of the Board PRESIDENT Martin Schnider Fred Schnider Company VICE PRESIDENT Bob Wiberg Piedmont Office Realty Trust VICE PRESIDENT John Moore QIC Global Real Estate TREASURER Dustin Young NRECA SECRETARY Karen Jennings Newmark Grubb Knight Frank BOARD MEMBERS Bethany Allen, Monument Realty Caleb Brenneman, Jamestown, L.P. Ed Brogan, Westin Arlington Gateway Shannon Flanagan-Watson, Arlington County Greg Geisler, Washington REIT Clark Maier, NRECA Natalie Monkou, Arlington Economic Development Bill Otis, Colliers International Mustafa Saifee, Gold s Gym Cathryn Scheipers, Washington Capitol Partners, LLC John Shooshan, The Shooshan Company, LLC Larry Smith, Arlington Green Homes Brett Snyder, Knucklepuck Nick Stone, Virginia Tech Research Center Arlington Allyson Ugarte, Ballston-VA Square Civic Association Marianne Ward-Peradoza, Marymount University Tina Leone Chief Executive Officer tina@ballstonbid.com (703) Catherine Roper Chief Marketing Officer catherine@ballstonbid.com (703) Samantha Baker Director of Operations samantha@ballstonbid.com (703) Savannah Miller Communications Coordinator savannah@ballstonbid.com (703) Tyler Roper Events Coordinator tyler@ballstonbid.com (703) Marketing Committee The purpose of the Marketing Committee is to steward the BID brand and image; and ensure that our marketing and communications programs are consistent with our strategic plan with clearly defined objectives to enhance the reputation and recognition of Ballston. Placemaking Committee The Placemaking Committee determines placemaking projects and priorities that support the BID s strategic plan objectives using arts, design, culture, beautification and creativity to build character and quality of place in Ballston. Community Engagement Committee This committee will guide the revision of existing and the development of new, engaging, and sustainable event programs that leverage Ballston s key assets (technology, education and sports) via BallstonGives and the BallstonConnect Club. The committee will seek and encourage non-board member, Ballston stakeholders to participate in this work. Finance & Governance Committee This committee is established to support the BID s Board of Directors in fulfilling its responsibility to oversee the BID s financial and governance strategy and performance. BALLSTON BID 4600 N. FAIRFAX DRIVE, SUITE 100 ARLINGTON, VA

8 Vision Our vision for Ballston is to create a world-class urban neighborhood that fosters a strong sense of community. Mission To create a Ballston that people love through vibrant and dynamic branding and placemaking, elevated experiences, and relationship-building programs. Goals To expand our community and continue programs that highlight Ballston s technology, education and sports that will create a deeper sense of community, inclusion and love. Create awareness and foster curiosity and excitement for Ballston to build belief that Ballston is an amazing live/work/play/learn opportunity. Leverage Ballston s key assets around technology, education and sports to create unique programs where all community members can participate, grow and connect. Reassess and align BID resources to support new vision and mission. 4

9 WASHINGTON BLVD N QUINCY ST 10TH ST N FAIRFAX DR FAIRFAX DR N POLLARD ST N QUINCY ST N POLLARD ST 6TH ST N N QUINCY ST 5TH PL N 5TH RD N 5TH RD N 5TH 5TH ST ST N N 4TH 4TH ST ST N N 4TH ST N 11TH PL N N STAFFORD ST 11TH 11TH ST ST N N 11TH ST N N RANDOLPH ST N STAFFORD ST N STAFFORD ST 9TH ST N N STUART ST WILSON BLVD FAIRFAX DR WILSON BLVD WILSON BLVD N RANDOLPH ST N GLEBE RD N GLEBE RD HENDERSON RD N THOMAS ST WASHINGTON BLVD N STUART ST N TAYLOR ST N UTAH ST 11TH 11TH ST ST N N N STUART ST N TAYLOR ST N UTAH ST N TAYLOR ST N GLEBE RD 7TH ST N N TAZEWELL ST 7TH 7TH ST ST N N N CARLIN SPRINGS RD N PARK DR N VERMONT ST N VERMONT ST N VERMONT ST N VERMONT ST 7TH ST N N WAKEFIELD ST WASHINGTON BLVD N VERNON ST N GLEBE RD N WAKEFIELD ST N GLEBE RD FAIRFAX DR N WAKEFIELD ST N WOODROW ST WILSON BLVD 7TH 7TH RD RD N N N ALBEMARLE ST 7TH RD N N ABINGTON ST 7TH ST N N BUCHANAN ST N ABINGTON ST 8TH RD N 6TH ST N N ABINGDON ST N BUCHANAN ST INTERSTATE 66 11TH ST N FAIRFAX DR N BURLINGTON ST 9TH ST N N GEORGE MASON DR N BUCHANAN ST WILSON BLVD N GEORGE MASON DR N EDISON ST N EMERSON ST Strategic Approach We will accelerate the transformation of Ballston into a vibrant and diverse live/ work/play/learn neighborhood for urban-minded and socially conscious business professionals and residents through market-influencing branding and placemaking, elevated experiences and by engaging our community with compelling programs that leverage our key assets of technology, education and sports. Beaver Pond Marymount University Holiday Inn Virginia Tech Research Center Westin Welburn Square Hilton DARPA Arlington Public Library Residence Inn LEGEND Ballston Business Improvement District Commercial Buildings Parks Residential Buildings Schools/Churches Ballston/MU Metro Stop Walking Tour Music Tour BALLSTON QUARTER (Coming 2018) Randolph Bocce Courts Harris Teeter Mosaic Park Quincy Park 5

10 Strategic Approach Market Influencer Elevated Experiences Engaged Community Sustainable Organization Great neighborhoods begin by being great spaces: places where everyone can feel at home and inspired at the same time. Continuing the dynamic evolution of Ballston, we are excited to expand our community and continue programs that highlight Ballston s technology, education and sports that will create a deeper sense of community, inclusion and love. Creating awareness and fostering curiosity and excitement for Ballston is critical as the competition increases between various neighborhoods and communities in the Greater Washington Area. To reinforce the belief that Ballston is an amazing live/work/play/learn opportunity is central. At the heart of any community is the people and the interactions by those people. Our focus is to leverage Ballston s key assets around technology, education and sports to create unique programs where all community members can participate, grow, and connect. We believe that building a great community for tomorrow requires stronger integration between commercial and residential interests. Given budget constraints, success moving forward will require a renewed focus on our priorities, Board involvement and staff. 6

11 MARKETING & PROMOTION 1

12 FY18-19 ACCOMPLISHMENTS Distributed maps and BID collateral information, as well as delivered Welcome Kits by hand to all BID member tenants, giving us the opportunity to reach over 800 businesses. 1,368 Maps Distributed 1,847 Collateral Distributed 254 Tenant Welcome Packets Earned a record number of media placements for the BID s programs, most notably Taste of Arlington. 179 earned media placements Launched the BallstonConnect Podcastfocused on hyperlocal news, events, history, business and of course, the people of Ballston. Guests included neighborhood personalities including Scott Parker, Kelly Shooshan, Slapshot- mascot for the Washington Capitals, and WJLA Sports Anchor Scott Abraham. Over 2,000 unique downloads through October 2018 Engaged 1,068 residents and employees through podcast surveys and contests Continued to expand our social media following and engagement 13K 6.2K 2.1K Instagram Followers ballstonbid tasteofarlington Redesigned our bi-weekly enewsletter 14,000 Enews subscribers 34% increase in distribution BALLSTON BID: MARKETING & PROMOTION 8

13 FY20 OBJECTIVES DEVELOP IMPLEMENT EXPLORE COLLABORATE Develop and implement a brand refresh with a focus on shifting greater awareness from the BID to Ballston itself. Develop and implement a new website that focuses on the BID s expanded key audiences- employees, residents, brokers and business owners. Explore and formalize a digital/online business resource center in coordination with the County and Arlington Economic Development. Explore opportunities to collaborate on Ballston Quarter and Washington Capitals programs/events and PR/social media. BALLSTON BID: MARKETING & PROMOTION 9

14 COMMUNITY EVENTS & OUTREACH 2

15 FY18-19 ACCOMPLISHMENTS Partnered and sponsored programs and events with over 30 government, industry and community organizations including: Connected with 22,500 Ballston employees via our programs, events, social media, interactions, office visits and direct mailings. Expanded membership database capabilities to house all our member information, board management, program tracking and event management and ticketing. Conducted our bi-annual neighborhood survey with over 1,200 participants AFAC AICPA APAH Arlington Arts Center Arlington Chamber of Commerce Arlington County Police Department Arlington Free Clinic Arlington Independent Media Industries Reached: Banking Bars and Restaurants Business Associations Business Services Civic Associations Construction Defense Technologies Arlington Public Library A-SPAN AWLA Bisnow Bowen McCauley Dance Company CREW DC DCBIA Doorways for Women & Children FreshFarm Markets Economic Development Education Energy and Natural Resources Entertainment Environmental Advocacy Finance Homeward Trails International Downtown Association Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) Leadership Center for Excellence Leadership Greater Washington Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Government Healthcare Hospitality Non-Profits and Foundations Professional Sports Property Management NAIOP Return on Creativity Series: Arlington Economic Development Special Olympics DC Urban Land Institute Virginia Fraternity of Police Volunteer Arlington VSCPA Young Entrepreneur s Academy Real-Estate (Commercial and Residential) Retail Transportation Urban Planning Expanded Farmers Market season through November. 25,000 visits and 20 vendors Increased attendance for Taste of Arlington to nearly 30,000 and expanded our charitable partners from 1 to 7, including: Developed and implemented a transition plan for Taste of Arlington AAC AFAC A-SPAN AWLA Arlington Chamber of Commerce Leadership Center for Excellence Volunteer Arlington BALLSTON BID: COMMUNITY EVENTS & OUTREACH 11

16 FY20 OBJECTIVES Implement plan to expand BID membership to residents with the launch of the BallstonConnect Club. Consistently liaison with neighborhood and professional organizations to achieve maximum outreach results. Refine and enhance Quarterfest event using attendance and vendor feedback. Coordinate and execute a holiday market which activates the commercial and residential communities. BALLSTON BID: COMMUNITY EVENTS & OUTREACH 12

17 Public Realm & Beautification 3

18 FY18-19 ACCOMPLISHMENTS Boosted WiFi coverage of the BID to 90% of the neighborhood. Improved the experience and expanded use of BallstonConnect Mobile App to 5,660 active users. Expanded median landscaping and maintenance to include more medians on Fairfax Drive and Glebe Road. Continued working with County staff, Arlington Public Art and the Arts Commission on the design of Intersections, an interactive light art project to be installed in the Ballston Metro canopy. Piloted Ballston360 wayfinding information in BID member buildings. BALLSTON BID: PUBLIC REALM & BEAUTIFICATION 14

19 FY20 OBJECTIVES BALLSTON BID: PUBLIC REALM & BEAUTIFICATION Revise the BID s comprehensive placemaking, art and cultural plan to greater leverage Ballston s key assets (education, technology and sports) and Ballston Quarter. Develop a landscaping and signage proposal for the Route 66 gateway on Fairfax Drive. Develop plans with the County to pilot the installation of Ballston360 -our interactive wayfinding system in the public realm. Install and paint Ballston orange branding dots on the remaining Fairfax Drive medians at the junction of Route 66 and on Glebe Road medians. Continue installation of banners on Fairfax Drive and begin phase 2 on Glebe Road as budget permits. Expand and enhance public WIFI for the entire BID Create final plans for Intersections, an interactive light art display, and prepare for installation in the Ballston Metro canopy in FY21. Collaborate closely with County staff on timing for a new Sector Plan for Ballston. 15

20 Transportation 4

21 FY20 OBJECTIVES Work with County staff to craft a plan to gain a consistent look for pedestrian streetlight poles by replacing poles that are not the current County standard. Work with Arlington County and the community to promote Ballston Metro second entrance as a priority transit project. Explore, with Arlington County staff and BID partners, the opportunity for a new, free to the public, convenient transportation option to connect neighborhoods along the RB Corridor. Develop a Dockless Vehicle Transportation Plan with Arlington County staff to maintain safety and cleanliness of our sidewalks. BALLSTON BID: TRANSPORTATION 17

22 Economic Development 5

23 FY18-19 ACCOMPLISHMENTS Made 30 presentations to Ballston office tenants in addition to hosting breakfast, lunch or happy hours. Featured charitable organizations at Sip & Mingle events to increase awareness and raise funds increased attendance by 50% over prior year, to an average 300 employees per event. Hosted exclusive broker engagement events and visited broker offices to raise awareness of happenings in Ballston, connecting directly with 175 commercial brokers. Continued Tenant-Broker focused programs - Food Truck Days, Holiday BallstonGives Back Holiday Campaign, ATP Walk at Lunch Day, Earth Day, Bike to Work Day, and Best of Ballston Awards. BALLSTON BID: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 19

24 FY20 OBJECTIVES CONNECTIONS EXPAND STRENGTHEN CUTTING EDGE Integrate our tenant-employee events with BallstonConnect Club events to strengthen connections among those who live and work here. Expand our tenant outreach to include more frequent networking opportunities. Strengthen our broker relationships with additional touchpoints. Explore the possibility of expanding the BID footprint. Increase national exposure as a cutting-edge neighborhood. BALLSTON BID: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 20

25 Administration & Management 6

26 FY19 ACCOMPLISHMENTS Completed FY15-18 strategic plan. Developed and implemented FY19-21 Strategic Plan. Developed a multi-year budget framework for FYs outlining resources needed to achieve long term goals. Determined with the Board more customized reporting and project management systems. BALLSTON BID: MANAGEMENT & ADMINISTRATION 22

27 FY20 OBJECTIVES Formalize an ongoing professional development program for the BID staff based upon strategic objectives and individual professional goals. BALLSTON BID: MANAGEMENT & ADMINISTRATION 23

28 Ballston BID FY20 Budget REVENUE Arlington County Assessments Current FY Assessments 1,430,128 County Assessment Retained Funds 67,388 Arlington County Assessments 1,497,516 Total BID Operating Revenue $1,497,516 EXPENSE Marketing & Promotion 422,320 Community Events & Outreach 246,392 Public Realm & Beautification 415,166 Transportation 16,485 Economic Development 53,985 Administration & Management 275,780 Total Expense $1,430,128 COUNTY RETAINED FUNDS Arlington County Admin Fee 2% 29,950 Delinquency / Appeals Contribution 37,438 Total Expenses $1,497,516 24

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30 Appendix A Intersections: Ballston BID / Metro Canopy Public Art Project General Project Overview Intersections is an interactive work of light art, proposed for the canopy of the Ballston Metro entrance, that will serve as a bold new gateway for Ballston and an engaging, ever-changing backdrop for everyday life in the area. The project, which is being led by Blendid, an Amsterdam-based art and design studio, is still in design development. Intersections will use sensors to observe the movements of residents, commuters and visitors in the area around the Metro entrance. This data will be processed to generate a fluid composition of light that will be projected onto the canopy s underside by dozens of individually programmed LEDs. The result a dance of softly glowing pixels will make visible the hidden rhythms of the station entrance and the plaza where it is located. The artwork s behavior will be the direct result of its relation with the Ballston community, who is both audience and inspiration. Goals This project was originally commissioned as part of Ballston s Public Displays of Innovation public art project. The goals were to: create an ongoing series of attractions that enhance Ballston s stature as a center of research, innovation, science and technology, support Ballston s character as a vibrant, walkable, urban community that is a primary destination for business, education, entertainment and living, provide artists and innovators with an opportunity to apply their research interests and talents to projects that enliven the public realm, and allow for experimentation with multiple modes and emerging media in the public realm. The specific goals for the Canopy project were: create an artistic landmark and amenity at one of the key gateways into the district create a dynamic, ever-changing feature that will turn an ordinary subway entrance into a place of surprise, wonder and delight create an artwork that is unique to Arlington and the region, and that will attract attention and visitors Selection Process Blendid was selected through a competitive, invitational process, based on qualifications, references and a brief statement of interest. Artist Details Blendid is a Dutch interaction design/art collective consisting of David Kousemaker and Tim Olden. They have been collaborating to explore the intersection of the physical and the digital domains since Using a wide range of technologies Blendid creates playful interactive pieces that instil a sense of wonderment in young and old alike. Behind an accessible facade their work deals with more profound themes that are often related to the impact of technology on culture. Description of Artwork / Artist Concept Intersections explores the idea of Ballston and its Metro station as a crossroads and meeting place. Where our paths intersect we exchange ideas that inspire, and opportunities are created that help shape our future the kind of cross-pollination from which the fruits of urban life emerge.

31 Our design takes an abstract of this dynamic as the inspiration for a fluid visual composition of light. It will balance our desires to create direct responsive interaction, as well as a memory of the activity that takes place over a larger timeframe. Translating these ideas into interactive behaviors has resulted in a three-phased mechanics. First, pedestrians have a direct influence, in that their presence under the canopy will effect the spawning of lines that travel over the canopy. Where these animated lines intersect one another, they will give life to autonomous artifacts of light. Once these artifacts pass a threshold, they will form the basis of a more involved visual effect. Afterwards, the installation will reset to its initial state. Timeline We anticipate a design and build-out time of approximately 15 months after receiving WMATA approval.