Home - Boston Back Bay

the time has come for the bba to convert to a business improvement district (BID)

vision

call to action

map of the area

the area we serve

bid goals

why a bid

leadership

board of directors

vision

call to action

map of the area

the area we serve

bid goals

why a bid

leadership

board of directors

2024 call to action

The time has come for the BBA to convert to a Business Improvement District (BID) to support a more robust program capable of tackling post pandemic negative impacts to our neighborhood. To transform our organization, the BBA has established a goal to proactively protect Back Bay from some of the issues that other cities are experiencing now, before these challenges grow worse, and we need YOUR support to be come a Business Improvement District!

area we serve

why a bid?

Downtown city neighborhoods like the Back Bay are experiencing a decline in the quality of the public realm, as society’s problems such as homelessness, vandalism, stressed city budgets and aging infrastructure creep into public view. This affects the perception of the area by visitors, office workers, shoppers and residents. With this changing landscape, the businesses of Back Bay are forging a plan to defend the economic success and real estate value of the neighborhood by reinforcing the area against cataclysmic problems that are occurring in other cities.

existing conditions

Litter and Trash

Powerwashing needed

Graffiti

Focus on details

provide uniformed ambassadors across the community to assist residents and visitors ensuring back bay is the cleanest, most vibrant and engaged neighborhood in boston

attract new retail businesses and office tenants

protect back bay commercial property values by maintaining public perception of the back bay as a safe, clean, desirable destination

moving forward

Serve as the voice
of the Business Community
to advocate for economic
vitality in Back Bay

Daily cleaning and
maintenance of the area

Install seasonal beautifucation;
lights in the winter and
plantings in the summer

Connect people in need
of services with
support and safety

president

meg mainzer cohen

president

Meg Mainzer-Cohen has served as President and Executive Director of the Back Bay Association since 2000. She collaborates with a board of 40 business leaders, provides strategic advice to companies managing business development, and works with them to gain city approvals and build support during the public permitting process. Meg is a critical conduit between the businesses of Back Bay and city/state policy makers and elected leaders to support increased economic outcomes. She has been a stalwart leader for the meetings and hospitality sectors in Back Bay, advocating for preserving the area’s robust economic engine.

Working closely with city and state elected officials and key agencies, she also maintains strong alliances with community groups and neighborhood organizations. Meg participated on, and later chaired, the Boston Finance Commission and served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Somerville Community Corporation, a community development corporation (CDC), which develops and manages affordable housing and supports inclusive economic growth in Somerville.

Her first role in business development was as Events and Public Relations Director for the Downtown Crossing Association, a nonprofit association (now Business Improvement District) of businesses dedicated to the civic, economic and cultural development of Boston’s central business district.