The Louisville Downtown Management District (LDMD), Kentucky's first, was established on August 27, 1991 to promote the economic, residential and cultural vitality of the core of downtown. Our mission is to promote the neighborhood's quality of life by creating a safer, cleaner and more enjoyable environment.

We are vocal advocates for Downtown, working with property owners, government agencies and elected officials to secure needed support and resources for neighborhood improvement. The District has defined boundaries and is supported with assessments paid by district property owners.

The Board of Directors is comprised of business and property owners, residents, community representatives and government officials committed to striking a balance between development and community enrichment.

In early 1989 the Board of Directors of Louisville Central Area, Inc. appointed a steering committee to examine the feasibility of establishing a Management District in downtown Louisville to serve the core area of the Central Business District.

Management Districts (sometimes called Business Improvement Districts, or BIDS) are designated zones within which services are delivered above and beyond the level currently provided by local government or voluntary efforts. The services are designed to enhance the physical environment of the downtown, including improvements for better security, maintenance, cleanliness, and marketing. This concept has become an essential tool for the economic development of downtown areas.

Funding to support such services is provided through a special assessment levied against property owners and which may be passed along to tenants. Non-benefiting properties -- those which are exempt from property taxes (and assessments) -- may contract with M anagement Districts for the delivery of specific services or programs.

Operations of a Management District are carried out through a non-profit corporation, whose board acts on behalf of all property owners and other participating groups.