The central location of historic downtown Batavia, New York to the cities, towns and villages in western New York has made it a desirable place for people, business and development for over 150 years.  Batavia has four major state highways, including an exit on the New York State Thruway.  These thoroughfares have created a viable and interesting destination for shoppers, tourists and visitors to the region.

Over 197 retail, financial, food and entertainment, and professional businesses provide a variety of specialty products and services to the area.  It is also the seat of government for Genesee County.

Batavia's downtown economic development programs, historic structures, attractive streetscape, upper level residences and surrounding neighborhoods provide the ideal marketplace for family owned and national businesses.  It is a great place to shop, start a business or to live.

The Vision

In 1998, ninety downtown business owners partnered with city officials to establish the Batavia Business Improvement District (B.I.D).

To accomplish its mission of revitalizing and promoting downtown, the B.I.D. developed a proactive plan.  This focuses on retaining and expanding existing  businesses and attracting new niche retailers, artists and designers, restaurants and entertainment, high technology, and professional services that cater to the residents, work force, shopper and visitors to western New York.

The District's growth is attributed to...

A safe, clean and attractive environment for pedestrians.

Over $3.5 million in storefront and streetscape improvements.

Economic incentives for businesses, i.e. facade improvement grants.

Cooperative marketing and promotion for the marketplace.

Future initiatives include soliciting more retail business, additional facade and streetscape improvements,  development of public and cultural areas, new construction and parking alternatives.