It took over 30 years of momentum-building, organizing, and advocacy, for the Central Square Business Improvement District (BID), a 501c3 non-profit, to be established in October 2019. The BID’s work revolves first and foremost around placekeeping. Cities like ours are constantly in flux. To maintain and uplift what makes Central special, we leverage longstanding, intergenerational relationships to create spaces and opportunities for local residents, artists, and entrepreneurs to benefit from the richness of Central Square's Cultural District. In addition to our placekeeping programming and pop-ups, the BID manages a team of Block-by-Block ambassadors and outreach workers. As stewards for the neighborhood, they are a welcoming presence in the Square, working to connect at-risk neighbors with social services, provide assistance to shop owners, residents, and visitors, and maintaining our shared public spaces.