Environmental Planning Through Public-Private Partnerships: Lessons From Three New York City Business Improvement Districts
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This study investigates the role of Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) as key stakeholders in urban sustainability and climate resilience planning in New York City. Operating at the intersection of public and private governance, BIDs represent an understudied middle ground between top-down governmental planning and bottom-up community initiatives. Through qualitative methods, including content analysis, direct observation, and semi-structured interviews, this research compares sustainability approaches across three diverse BIDs: Hudson Square (Manhattan), West Shore (Staten Island), and Pitkin Avenue (Brooklyn). The study examines how and why these BIDs implement sustainability strategies, how their efforts align with municipal goals, and how their approaches vary across different boroughs and neighborhood contexts. Findings reveal distinct patterns in how these hybrid governance entities incorporate environmental objectives while responding to local needs. This research contributes to a more nuanced understanding of multi-level urban sustainability governance and offers insights for policymakers seeking to engage diverse stakeholders in climate resilience planning.