Mission: The Downtown Hamilton Business Improvement Area provides value to our members through advocacy, beautification, promotion, development and preservation of Downtown Hamilton. Vision: A Vital and Prosperous Downtown that is the focal point of Hamilton. The Downtown Hamilton Business Improvement Area (BIA) is a non-profit association, which was officially formed in 1982 when a successful petition to the City of Hamilton from the participating merchants and business people in the area resulted in replacing the Downtown Hamilton Businessmen’s Association with the BIA. The area designated as the Downtown BIA was to include MacNab Street to Mary Streets, Main Street to King William. In 2001 the BIA expanded to include Rebecca Street to the north and the south side of Main Street. In 2008 the Bia expanded southward Hunter Street from MacNab to Catharine. The Board of Management, including one member of City Council, governs the organization and meets monthly. Various committees are organized to fulfill its mandate and to develop activities and events. Currently the membership of the BIA comprises 453 members and 173 property owners who are taxed a special levy over and above their taxes to help fund the activities of the BIA.