Public Improvement District

Downtown San Antonio's need for a Public Improvement District (PID) has been realized and on January 26, 2000, Centro San Antonio was launched. Our downtown market is one of the most historic cultural centers in the country and naturally one of the most visited. It is experiencing unprecedented growth, and by providing some special and strategic attention, Centro San Antonio enhances downtown San Antonio and helps shape it into a more dynamic urban center.

Based upon the success of over 1,000 PID's throughout North America, three essential services provided by Districts include: Public Service Representatives, Supplemental Maintenance and Streetscaping. Through input from local property and business owners, these services have been tailored to accommodate the various needs of the property owners within the Centro San Antonio boundaries. In addition, a marketing and public relations program has been designed to continuously inform property owners within the District of events and services being provided by Centro San Antonio. The Centro San Antonio Management Corporation manages the Public Improvement District Guidelines for creation of a PID are outlined under Texas' Public Improvement District Act. Legislation enables a majority of property owners within a specific area to petition their municipality to create a District. Support for the District was demonstrated by gathering signatures on petitions from property owners representing over 50% of the total valuation and over 50% of the owners of record or land area. A renewal process will be undertaken every five years.

Funding is generated through an assessment on private and municipal property within the District boundary. Services provided by a District can only supplement, not supplant those provided by the City, ensuring that the City will continue to provide basic services.

A specific plan is developed detailing the services to be provided and the method of assessment. This plan is updated annually. A District also has a provision that allows it to be dismantled at any time through a majority agreement of the District property owners.

The establishment of Centro San Antonio, the new Public Improvement District, overrides any current fragmented efforts and provides organized services that complement the efforts of the City of San Antonio. For downtown businesses and property owners, Centro San Antonio stimulates business development. It will strengthen downtown's economic base and help ensure healthy, vibrant property uses and associated property value. Through this focused effort, private property owners will continue to work together to make downtown a more attractive address to live, work, shop and visit.