New York City’s First Business Improvement District, Union Square Partnership, Celebrates 40 Years of Enhancing Livability, Fostering Economic Growth and Building Community
Union Square Partnership commemorated the anniversary on Monday, May 6 at the BID’s Annual Meeting, looking ahead to the next 40 years of transformative growth for the district
Union Square Partnership (USP), the community-based non-profit organization overseeing the Union Square-14th Street neighborhood, is proud to celebrate its 40th anniversary as New York City’s first and oldest business improvement district (BID). USP’s stewardship of Union Square through strategic economic development and beautification services across Union Square-14th Street and Union Square Park has shaped the district into New York City’s pre-eminent live-work-play-learn destination and inspired the formation of BIDs across New York and beyond.
At the BID’s Annual Meeting on May 6, Union Square Partnership was joined by community members, directors from business improvement districts across New York City, and leadership from the City of New York. Deputy Mayor Torres-Springer spoke about the critical role BIDs play in economic vitality across the city. Deputy Mayor Meera Joshi highlighted how BIDs improve the public realm and are crucial partners in activating vibrant public space in all five boroughs. Small Business Services Commissioner Kevin Kim declared May 6 Union Square Partnership Day on the second-annual New York City BID Day. Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine spoke about the key role that Union Square serves for New Yorkers as the 4th busiest transit hub in New York City and the importance of investing in the neighborhood’s public space. The Norman Buchbinder Community Service Award was given to Union Square resident Gail Fox in recognition of her longtime advocacy for the neighborhood and contributions to the community.
The 14th Street-Union Square Local Development Corporation was first formed in 1979 at a time when New York was struggling to recover from the fiscal crisis. Business leaders and institutions were forging new alliances to clean up and improve the District. The Union Square BID was founded in 1984 during a pivotal moment for the neighborhood – the City proposed new zoning for the area, was designing the renovation of Union Square Park and the sites that would become the Zeckendorf Towers had just been assembled for a transformational mixed-use development. Once launched, the Union Square BID got to work sweeping streets, removing stickers and graffiti, and working with business owners to upgrade their storefronts. The energy and commitment of civic leaders in that era gave birth to an astounding recovery in the neighborhood that has lasted a generation.
Since those founding days, Union Square Partnership has worked to make Union Square the best possible neighborhood for residents with comprehensive clean and safe services, economic development programs, destination marketing campaigns, in-person community programming and events as well as the beautification of Union Square Park. Led by Executive Director Julie Stein since 2023, USP is now looking to best position the district for the next 40 years and beyond through the USQNext Vision Plan. USQNext is a bold vision to upgrade Union Square’s public realm by modernizing Union Square Park, transforming 14th Street into a world-class boulevard, and updating infrastructure to make sure these public realm improvements last for decades to come.
“Union Square Partnership has served as a leading example of neighborhood advocacy for the many BIDs that have established themselves in New York City since the inception of USP. When I reflect on the 40 years of transformational work this organization has conceptualized and executed for the neighborhood, I’m inspired by what’s possible in our future,” said Julie Stein, Executive Director, Union Square Partnership. “As I approach my one-year anniversary leading this incredible organization, I look forward to collaborating with the City and our many community partners to advance the public realm improvements in the USQNext Vision Plan. These investments will ensure the district is a model neighborhood for another 40 years and beyond, best servicing all the New Yorkers and visitors who love Union Square.
“Union Square Partnership was the first BID incorporated in New York City, and it is incredibly fulfilling to be deeply involved in an organization, such as USP, that is integrated so seamlessly within the larger business and residential communities of the district,” said Jen Hensley, Co-Chair, Union Square Partnership Board of Directors. “On behalf of the Board of Directors and staff, we recognize and champion the strength of great partnership with the City, our neighboring BIDs, and the residents, workers and owners – all of whom have been magnificent stewards of the neighborhood with us for these decades.”
“Being a second-generation member of this BID, it has been a privilege and an honor to watch Union Square transform from where it was 40 years ago, to now be involved with creating and implementing a vision for the park for the next 40 years,” said William Abramson, Co-Chair, Union Square Partnership Board of Directors. “We look forward to working alongside Julie and the rest of the team, as well as our incredible partners, to champion the next chapter of Union Square.”
Union Square welcomes 370,000 visitors daily and has 72,000 residents, 144,000 workers and 8,000 businesses within a half-mile radius of Union Square Park. The district is home to a diverse mix of industries spread throughout ground floor retail and offices, including tech and innovation, vintage and thrift, lifestyle and fitness, home goods and design and family-friendly establishments. In Q1 2024, over 455,000 daily riders passed through the 14th St-Union Square subway station.
For more information on Union Square Partnership, visit www.unionsquarenyc.org. For more information on the USQ NextVision Plan, visit www.usqnext.org.