Georgia law 1994, p. 4931, as amended by 2023 House Bill 3EX (collectively herein, “Senate Bill 640”), provides for the creation of Community Improvement Districts (CIDs) within the City of Savannah, and sets the terms and conditions under which such CIDs may be created. It allows for certain owners of commercial property on the Savannah River waterfront to form a Community Improvement District, to be named the "Savannah's Waterfront Community Improvement District" ("SWCID"). Community improvement districts are created for the provision of governmental services and facilities, as well as to encourage and promote the improvement and development of a defined geographical area. Additionally, commercial property owners within the CID agree to voluntarily tax themselves to fund governmental services and use a portion of the proceeds to leverage grants from other sources to fulfill its purposes. The creation of the Savannah’s Waterfront Community Improvement District in no way limits the authority of the City of Savannah to provide services within the district and additionally the City remains in complete control over City-owned facilities and properties located within the district. 

This Agreement stipulates that the relationship between the SWCID and the City is and shall be one of cooperative partnership, with both parties working together with the common goal of improving and benefitting the District, although nothing herein shall limit the authority of the City to provide services or facilities within the District, and the City shall retain authority and control over any City-owned facilities located within the District, including but not limited to the modification of, access to, and degree and type of services provided through or by facilities of the City, and over the regulation of zoning, land use and development within the District.

Approval