Our Mission

The Lark Street Neighborhood District Management Association, more commonly known as the Lark Street Business Improvement District, is an independent not-for-profit organization that works to build, sustain, and enhance a unique and prosperous living and business community for the residents, visitors, and merchants of the Lark Street Neighborhood of Albany, NY. At the Lark Street BID we provide core neighborhood services focused on Neighborhood Safety, Street Maintenance, Neighborhood Marketing, and Special Events and Promotions.

Street Beautification In addition to hosting Neighborhood Clean-Up days throughout the year, the BID employs a clean-team which provides twice-weekly cleanings for Lark Street. In Summer of 2019, the Lark Street BID purchased 22 planters to decorate the Corridor, partially funded by a donation from Global Partners. Global also provides staff and a water truck to maintain our hanging flower baskets. During the holidays, the BID provides string lights for our street lamps and businesses, and organizes an annual store-front decorating contest among Lark Street businesses. We also work with the City of Albany’s DGS to provide regular maintenance and upkeep for our street trees.

Safety Through our programs and partnerships with the City of Albany, Albany Police, Neighborhood Associations, local businesses and various other organizations, the Lark Street BID seeks to cultivate and maintain a safe, welcoming environment for the merchants, neighbors and visitors of the Lark Street Corridor. By fostering open communication between local businesses, neighbors, NEU Officers, APD, and City Departments, we are able to help identify safety and quality of life issues as they arise, and ensure the proper actions are taken to address these issues in a timely manner. To find out more information on the BID’s Neighborhood Safety programs and initiatives, please contact our office.

Neighborhood Marketing Through our Neighborhood Marketing programs, the BID helps fill vacant properties, retain existing businesses, and promote and enhance the unique character and identity of the Lark Street Corridor. As the heart of Albany’s vibrant arts & culture district, Lark Street is the Capital Region’s most exciting destination for dining, entertainment, nightlife, and a Live-Work-Play lifestyle. Through various advertising campaigns across all platforms, the BID showcases all Lark Street has to offer to audiences throughout the Capital Region and beyond.

Special Events The Special Events coordinated by the Lark Street BID are enjoyed and coveted by the entire Capital Region and serve as major attractions to the neighborhood. LarkFest, Art On Lark, Champagne on the Park, First Fridays, A Taste of Lark, and the Halloween Party at the Lakehouse draw visitors from across the Capital Region and beyond to Lark Street. These events also supply the BID with additional revenue which is used to provide additional marketing and street beautification for the Corridor.