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.

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.