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Learn more about the
Center City Commission
District
See a map of the Central Business
Improvement District
See a copy of this year's Annual Report
Learn more about the CCC Board and
its affiliate boards
Learn more about financial incentives
for developing in Downtown
See the PILOT Program Packet
See the Development Loan
Program Packet
Learn about
Main Street Permits
Learn more about the
Blue Suede Brigade
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frequently asked questions
Find Out More About . . .
The Center City Commission and Central Business Improvement District.
Financial incentives and qualifications.
Selling food and merchandise on the Main Street Mall.
Holding my wedding in Court Square.
The Blue Suede Brigade.
I want to know about the Center City Commission and the Central Business Improvement District.
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Q. What is the purpose of the Center City Commission?
A. The mission of the Center City Commission (CCC) is to improve the economy of Memphis and Shelby County by coordinating an aggressive public/private program to promote the redevelopment and economic growth of the Central Business Improvement District, the area referred to as "Downtown".
Q. What is the Central Business Improvement District?
A. As the regional center for culture, business, and medicine, the Central Business Improvement District (CBID) was established as an area that required special redevelopment attention in order to ensure the economic growth and vitality of the entire community.
Q. What are the boundaries of the Central Business Improvement District?
A. The CBID is generally bound by the Wolf River on the north, Crump Boulevard on the south, the Tennessee state line on the west, and Danny Thomas Boulevard on the east, with an extension between Poplar and Linden to Watkins to encompass the Medical District.
Q. What is a Business Improvement District?
A. A business improvement district is an area of significant commercial activity designated to receive special improvements, projects, and management services funded through a special assessment of commercial property owners.
Q. What properties are included in the CBID assessment?
A. Only taxable commercial properties appraised at greater than $25,000 are included in the special assessment district, and the first $25,000 of appraised value on all commercial properties is exempt from the assessment. The assessment does not apply to commercial properties appraised at less than $25,000, residential properties, churches, or other tax-exempt properties.
Q. What benefits do property owners receive from being a part of this CBID?
A. There are a variety of services and benefits to being located within the CBID. For example:
- Development projects in the CBID are eligible for reduced interest rate loans that are available only through CCC programs.
- Some loans and grants and technical assistance are available to businesses in the new CBID.
- The CCC works in partnership with businesses and organizations in the new CBID, such as the Medical District.
- Federal office facilities give preference to the CBID for new locations.
- The CCC works with neighborhood associations in the CBID to develop and attract new businesses.
- New development, such as hotels and multi-family housing, are encouraged because of tax benefits available only in the CBID.
Q. How much revenue is generated by the CBID assessment?
A. Commercial property is assessed at a rate of 65 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. (Assessed valuation is only 40 percent of the property's appraised value.) No residential or tax-exempt properties are assessed. Based on the current assessed value of commercial properties in the CBID, the annual assessment generates approximately $2.8 million.
Q. What are CBID Assessment funds used for?
A. The funds from the CBID assessment are used by the Center City Commission to provide such services as development incentives, special loan programs, technical assistance, professional planning and promotional support, design assistance, public improvements, and business recruitment, as well as management assistance relating to traffic, parking, maintenance, security, and other public issues.
Q. Are copies of the Center City Commission's Annual Report open to the public?
A. Yes. The Center City Commission's Annual Report is available to the public. For a copy of our current Annual Report, please call (901) 575-0540.
Q. How do I know when the Center City Commission or its Affiliate Boards meet?
A. Generally, the CCC Board of Directors meets the fourth Thursday of every month, with the exception of February - May, when meetings are the fourth Friday of each month.
The Center City Development Corporation meets the third Wednesday of every month.
The Center City Revenue Finance Corporation meets the second Tuesday of every month.
The Design Review Board meets the first Wednesday of every month.
The Downtown Parking Authority meets on an as-needed basis. Meetings are usually announced a week prior to the date.
Q. Are the board meetings open to the public?
A. Since the Center City Commission is a government entity, all board and committee meetings are open to the public as required by the State of Tennessee's Sunshine Law.
Q. How does one become a CCC board member?
A. Members of the Center City Commission Board of Directors are appointed by the Mayors of the City of Memphis and of Shelby County. Appointments must then be approved by the Memphis City Council and the Shelby County Board of Commissioners. To be considered for a position on the CCC Board or one of its Affiliate Boards, please contact Nicole Herandez, CCC Assistant to the President, at (901) 575-0542.
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I want to know about financial incentives and whether or not I qualify for them.
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Q. What financial incentives are offered to businesses currently located or considering moving into the CBID?. Visit the "Develop" section to learn more.
A. The Center City Commission (CCC) facilitates Downtown development by creating partnerships to implement projects and by administering financial incentives that can help lower the costs of Downtown development projects. As such, the CCC offers several programs that offer tax freezes, broker bonuses, assistance with capital improvements, and more.
Q. What is the PILOT Program, and how do I qualify for it?
A. The Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) Program is a financial incentive available to property owners within the Central Business Improvement District who wish to improve or stabilize their property through building renovations or new construction. Projects that consist of 60% in capital improvements to the property are eligible for this program. This incentive effectively freezes ad valorem (real estate) taxes at the current, pre-development rate for a determined period of time, as determined by the PILOT Tax Freeze Evaluation Criteria available. Please visit our PILOT Program section for more information.
Q. How do I qualify for a Development Loan?
A. All property owners within the Central Business Improvement District (CBID) are eligible to apply for a Development Loan.
The application is then evaluated based on predetermined criteria that consider economic viability, community impact, and need.
Q. What is the maximum amount of a Development Loan, and how long do I have to repay the loan?
A. The maximum Development Loan amount awarded is $90,000 per project. The actual amount is determined by staff evaluation of the project and through action of the Center City Development Corporation (CCDC). Each project is evaluated based on predetermined criteria that considers economic viability, community impact, and need. The Development Loan is amortized over a 20-year term at an annual rate of 3 percent interest. The loan is terminated at the end of the 10th year with a balloon payment to the CCDC by the borrower.
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I want to know how to obtain a permit to start a business, sell food and merchandise on the Main Street Mall.
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Q. Where can I receive a business license?
A. Business licenses are issued from the Business Tax Office of the Shelby County Clerk's Office at 150 Washington Avenue. Different businesses require different permitting. Please contact the Center City Commission's Development Department, the City of Memphis Office of Planning and Development, or the Memphis Area Chamber of Commerce for a comprehensive list of contacts that are important to your particular business.
Q. Are vendors allowed to set up and sell food and merchandise out on the mall?
A. The Center City Commission encourages food and merchandise vendors on the Main Street Mall. However, a business license is required, and certain other regulations apply. All food vendors must have a permit and food vending cart approved by the Memphis & Shelby County Health Department. A Main Street Mall vendor permit must also be obtained from the CCC. A Main Street Mall Encroachment Permit is available in the "Work" section of this website, or at the CCC office (114 North Main). The cost of a Main Street Mall vendor permit is $25 per week with an approved food or merchandise cart or $50 for the permit and a CCC-owned cart.
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I want to know if I can hold my wedding in Court Square.
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Q. Can I have a wedding in Court Square? Will I be able to have a reception with alcoholic beverages?
A. Weddings are frequently held in the Court Square gazebo. A Main Street Mall Encroachment Permitb must be first obtained, however, and it is advisable to reserve the gazebo well in advance of the date by contacting the CCC's Operations Department at (901) 575-0540. A $25 fee per day is charged for the use of Court Square and the gazebo. Alcoholic beverages may be served at a private reception in Court Square with the appropriate encroachment permit from the Center City Commission, if the applicant shows proof of liability insurance coverage for the period of the event.
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I want to know about the Blue Suede Brigade.
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Q. What is the Blue Suede Brigade?
A. The Blue Suede Brigade is a team of hospitality ambassadors that assist residents and visitors throughout the Downtown Memphis Core and Medical District. This group provides directions, advice, and a special sense of security to anyone in need. Please visit our Blue Suede Brigade section for more information on this highly visible part of Memphis hospitality.
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