About the BIA
A Business Improvement Area (BIA) is a city-sanctioned district that self-funds services like cleaning, business support, and advocacy. The 15th Avenue East BIA began its programming in 2022 with funding from ratepayers within our district boundary. Each BIA functions differently, and the ratepayers of our BIA are property owners paying an assessment on their square footage.
The effort to create the BIA began long before 2022 as the 15th Avenue East Merchants Association, which held activation events for the neighborhood.
BIA boundary map
The BIA currently includes properties located along 15th Avenue East north of East Denny Way and south of East Mercer Street.
Board and Staff
The BIA is governed by its ratepayers, which means that funding decisions are made locally. The 15th Avenue East BIA is administered by a Ratepayers’ Advisory Board, which is composed of business owners, property owners and representatives, and residents from the district.
Current Board Members
Danielle Hulton, Ada’s Technical Books & Cafe, co-chair
Jeff Pelletier, Board & Vellum, co-chair
Uttam Mukherjee, Spice Waala, Treasurer
Gretchen Claire, Environmental Works
Jill Cronauer, Hunters Capital
Jae Jeon, Kaiser Permanente
Staff
The BIA currently contracts its management to Erin Fried at Hidden Cities Consulting.
Board meetings in 2025
As a designated Business Improvement Area (BIA), our virtual board meetings are open to the public. To attend, please register and note whether you will be making a public comment.
Next board meeting: Monday, May 19 from 4-5pm
Future board meetings
Monday, July 28 from 4-5pm
Monday, September 22 from 4-5pm
Monday, November 24 from 4-5pm
There will be a brief public comment period at the start of every meeting – each speaker will have 2 minutes. If you believe you’ll need more time to share feedback or ideas, you can leave a written comment when you register or schedule a meeting with the BIA via email.
In 2024,
The BIA saw wins in cleaning and graffiti removal, illumination, website & branding, and advocacy.
How can we help?
Do you represent a business or property owner, or are you a resident in our district? Let us know how you’re doing and what other services you would like us to provide. Our funding is limited, but we are here to help.