Amherst Business Improvement District

The Amherst Business Improvement District is a non-profit organization that spends resources on the cultural, physical and economic vitality of Amherst Center. The organization's mission advocates on behalf of businesses and property owners. It strengthens downtown by meeting high standards for physical appearance, cultural and entertainment offerings and busienss develoment. The BID was formed to promote the message that this town is a special destination with welcoming public spaces, and a sense of vibrancy. 

Although we are righly labeled a dynamic New England College Town, the downtown district is also part of a year-round community of arts and culture contributors and supporters. Our art house cinema is well-loved and supported as are our two town museums, the Amherst History Museum at the Strong House and the Emily Dickinson Homestead Museum.

We create special events to celebrate our community - student and resident, including our annual street fair Block Party, Adventure Into Amherst, Summer Music concerts in the parks, Taste of Amherst on the town common, and Jamherst - a 3 day music festival.

We manage and are housed in the Visitors Information Center and participate in the monthly arts walk with new artist exhibits or musicans, poets, performers each month.  We are also the managing entitty for the Amherst Center Cultural District, established in 2016

The Amherst BID acts as a central information hub of available rental spaces, lofts or living/working spaces in the downtown area.

We are amenable to collaborations with artists and performers.