Keeping Busy
The Rosslyn Business Improvement District began operations in 2003 with the goal of making Rosslyn an exciting, urbane commercial center for its workers and residents. The BID’s work program is comprised of six categories:
• Beautification – includes clean and safe program
• Transportation, Parking & Retail
• Community Activities & Events
• Homeless Services
• Marketing and Promotion
World Class Free Fun
The Rosslyn BID helps fund some of the largest free events in Arlington including the Rosslyn Jazz Festival and The Planet Arlington World Music Festival. It is also a sponsor of the Marine Corps Marathon and the finish festival that follows –which draws as many as 75,000 people to Rosslyn
Building community
During the summer months the BID sponsors outdoor lunchtime concerts, and live music in Rosslyn’s restaurants. The Farmers an Artists’ Market at Wilson and N. Oak Street offers fresh vegetables and crafts on Thursday afternoons from May through October. All this activity makes for livelier streets in Arlington’s largest business district.
Cleaning Up and Going Green
The BID’s Ambassadors are a small team who keep the streets clean The off-duty police patrol program employs uniformed county police officers to visit businesses, walk the streets, and keep an eye on congested intersections during their late afternoon patrols.
The BID contracts with The Brickman Group to brighten traffic islands, container gardens, and sidewalk tree pits with plants and flowers. The BID helps fund the popular “Blue Bus” – the Georgetown Metro Connection Shuttle – operated by the Georgetown BID.
Homeless Services
The BID continues its contract with Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network (A-SPAN) to fund an outreach worker to provide case management services to homeless individuals. It also partners with ASPAN for a clothing drive at the end of the year.