Serve on the Downtown Kingston BIA Board of Management: 2027–2030
Downtown Kingston is the region's primary commercial, cultural, and employment district. The Downtown Kingston Business Improvement Area is a local board of the City of Kingston, established under the Municipal Act, representing more than 700 businesses and property owners in the downtown core. Its Board of Management sets the organization's strategic direction, approves the annual budget and levy, and holds the organization accountable for how those funds are invested.
If you have considered contributing at that level, the 2027–2030 election is your opportunity.
The role
The Board of Management is a governance board. Directors are responsible for strategy, financial oversight, and organizational accountability — not day-to-day operations, which are led by BIA staff. Directors are appointed by City Council following the election and serve a term concurrent with the municipal term 2027–2030.
Why serve
Direct influence on the downtown core. The Board decides where the BIA's resources go: streetscape and public realm investment, marketing and destination development, community safety and the Welcoming Streets program, events, and advocacy. Those decisions shape foot traffic, tenant demand, and property performance across the district.
A working relationship with the City. Directors have opportunities to engage with municipal staff, planners, Council, and partner organizations. It is a standing seat at the table on the issues that affect downtown — development, transportation, parking, safety, and public space.
Senior-level peer network. The Board brings together property owners, operators, and executives from across the district's sectors. The conversations are strategic, and the relationships tend to outlast the term.
Governance experience that transfers. Board service builds fiduciary and oversight experience that is directly applicable to other boards, and is valuable professional development for emerging leaders within your organization.
Stewardship. The BIA's work is funded by its members. Serving is a direct way to ensure that investment is well governed.
Downtown Kingston's next chapter will be shaped by the people willing to govern it. If that is a table you want to sit at, we would like to hear from you.
Who we are looking for
We are actively seeking candidates who bring depth in one or more of the following: finance and audit, commercial real estate and development, law, human resources, marketing and communications, hospitality and tourism, retail, technology, post-secondary and institutional partnerships, and the perspective of larger employers and multi-location operators.
We are equally focused on a board that reflects the full range of the district — independent businesses and major employers, tenants and property owners, established firms and new entrants.
The commitment
Directors serve from 2027 to 2030. The Board currently meets a minimum of 10 times a year on the third Wednesday of each month from 6-8 pm. Many directors also serve on and represent a committee. Consistent attendance and preparation matter — the Board's effectiveness depends on directors who arrive ready to engage with the material.
Board experience is an asset, not a requirement
New directors receive orientation and governance training. What matters most is judgment, a willingness to ask good questions, and a genuine interest in the district's long-term performance. If you bring prior board experience, we would welcome it.
Nomination and election
There are 15 seats available on the board. Submitting a nomination does not guarantee that you will become a board member. The member vote at the AGM will determine the final board. If you are not voted in, you will be added to a list of individuals in order of vote who will be asked to join the board should board members need to step down for any reason.
Submit your nomination by September 15th to gain maximum exposure to the voting membership and to be included in the printed and digital candidate profiles in October. Nominations are accepted up until the night of the AGM, but it’s best practise to let the office know at least 24 hours before the AGM so that your name can be included on the voting chit.
You can nominate yourself or others can nominate you, with permission.
The election will be held at the Fall General Meeting, tentatively set for the evening of Wednesday, October 28, 2026 (location to be confirmed).