A Business Improvement Area (BIA) levy is an additional charge collected from commercial properties within a designated district, used to fund improvements and promotions benefiting that area. BIAs are typically formed in downtown cores or commercial strips where businesses collectively invest in streetscape beautification, holiday decorations, marketing campaigns, events, and safety initiatives. Property owners within the BIA boundaries pay the levy, which is collected by the municipality and transferred to the BIA organization (usually a board of local business representatives). BIA levies allow businesses to pool resources for improvements that benefit all, enhancing the commercial district's attractiveness and competitiveness.