Flatiron NoMad Partnership: Caretaker, connector, and advocate
From neighborhood enhancements to community building initiatives, the Flatiron NoMad Partnership gets the job done.
Have you ever wondered how the businesses, people, and places of NoMad work together in pursuit of common goals? One way is through the efforts of the Business Improvement District (BID) commonly known as the Flatiron NoMad Partnership. Created to facilitate enhanced sanitation, safety, and economic development in the neighborhood, the Flatiron NoMad Partnership beautifies and improves the streetscape, advocates for area improvements, facilitates networking among owners and merchants, hosts community events, and makes the neighborhoods a destinations for visitors, the workforce, and residents.
“We take pride in serving as the district’s caretaker, connector, and advocate,” says James Mettham, president of the Flatiron NoMad Partnership. “Every day our hardworking teams are out on the streets, serving the businesses, people, and places that make this one of Manhattan’s most vibrant mixed-use districts.”
BIDs are not new to NY’s landscape. In fact, according to NYC.gov, the first BIDs were established in New York City about 40 years ago to make commercial corridors across the boroughs “clean and safe.” The Flatiron NoMad Partnership was founded in 2006; originally called the Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership, it was renamed and expanded to include all of NoMad in 2022. The organization — with a budget that comes from a special assessment collected by the city — has transformed this bustling and diverse neighborhood into a vibrant and shared place for residents, commuters, visitors, and an ever-growing business network — all of which goes a long way toward enhancing the neighborhood experience for those who live, work, and play in the area.
A center of activity, the Flatiron NoMad Partnership plays a role in everything from sanitation and public safety to district advocacy and homeless outreach. The collaboration between the partnership and the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT), for example, stands as a testament to the power of public-private synergy in shaping urban landscapes. Through strategic planning, the BID and DOT collaborate on a spectrum of initiatives, ranging from optimizing pedestrian flow and ensuring safe intersections to implementing innovative streetscape designs that reflect the distinct character of the area. In addition, our Clean Team — armed with brooms, litter bags, shovels, and determination — keeps these spaces inviting to the tens of thousands of residents, commuters, and visitors who enjoy them every day.
One shining example of these efforts is the NoMad Piazza, which has become a popular pedestrian venue on Broadway between 25th and 31st Streets. The Piazza, is home to some of the neighborhood’s best-known restaurants, unique shopping, and experiential outdoor space, and has become one of the many places to see and be seen in the area.
Tied into the expansion of public outdoor spaces is the BID’s on-going investment in public safety. This commitment includes a focus on strategic lighting installations and partnerships with law enforcement and private security services. A team of public safety officers, for example, is dedicated to ensuring the neighborhood’s well-being as they keep an eye on the road and an ear to the ground, reporting any concerns to NYPD and other city agency partners. These neighborhood ambassadors are equipped to offer directions and assistance to residents, merchants, and visitors, as well as liaison with city authorities, addressing issues in real-time and assisting during emergencies.
The partnership also works in tandem with social services professionals from the New York City nonprofit organization Urban Pathways to assist people experiencing homelessness in the district. Seven days a week, two-person teams of trained outreach professionals engage individuals on the streets to learn about their needs, build trust, and connect them to services.
Another vital component of the BID is the marketing and events team, which takes on a leadership role in amplifying the voice of the district. Their efforts are behind the captivating events, engaging festivals, and innovative marketing campaigns that celebrate the character of local businesses and serve as a magnet for visitors. The marketing staff at the Flatiron NoMad Partnership are a go-to information resource, and their digital communications go beyond local messaging to promote the district to a wider, more global, audience.
With the goal of strengthening the identity of the neighborhood and a budget that enables the BID to have a hand in a wide range of supplemental services, from sweeping sidewalks and shoveling snow to planting seasonal gardens and collecting trash bins, the Flatiron NoMad Partnership speaks directly to establishing and maintaining the neighborhood’s charm and desirability. Their inclusive approach empowers local partners and helps ensure that Flatiron NoMad remains one of NYC’s most iconic and authentic destinations.