# Privately Managed Public Spaces (PMPS) Privately Managed Public Spaces (PMPS) are spaces legally owned by the public sector but operated, maintained, or programmed by private organizations. Management can cover cleaning, security, maintenance, public programming, or commercial activities. PMPS arrangements are used in urban settings (such as downtown districts, plazas, parks) and in non-urban contexts (such as national parks, conservation areas, or event venues). PMPS are distinct from [[Privately Owned Public Spaces (POPS)]], where the ownership itself is private. --- ## Main Forms ### Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) Private associations manage urban areas using funds collected through mandatory levies on property owners. #### [Cape Town Central City Improvement District](https://www.capetownccid.org/) (South Africa) Established in 2000, the CCID is a quintessential example of a BID. It operates within a legally defined area in Cape Town's Central Business District (CBD) and is funded by a mandatory levy imposed on property owners. This levy is collected by the City of Cape Town and allocated to the CCID, which provides supplementary services including:​Enhanced public safety, urban cleaning and maintenance, social development initiatives and marketing and communication efforts​. The CCID functions under the Special Ratings Area (SRA) legislation, ensuring a stable and enforceable funding mechanism. #### [Aliança CentroRio](https://alianca-cidade.org/) (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) Inspired by the BID model, Aliança CentroRio is a voluntary initiative aimed at revitalizing downtown Rio de Janeiro. Unlike the CCID, it lacks a legislative framework to mandate contributions from property owners. Instead, it relies on voluntary donations from local businesses and property owners. Key characteristics include:​ Funding through voluntary contributions, coordination with public authorities for urban improvements and focus on enhancing the area's economic vitality​. The absence of enabling legislation in Brazil means that Aliança Centro-Rio operates without the financial stability that mandatory levies provide, making long-term planning and service provision more challenging. ### Concession Agreements Public assets are operated by private entities under lease, management, or partnership agreements. These entities may be for-profit companies or not-for-profit organizations (as in the case of the park conservancy model). In some cases, they generate revenues to finance operations; in others, they depend on public budget appropriations or donations. #### [Central Park Conservancy](https://www.centralparknyc.org/) (New York, USA) The Central Park Conservancy is a nonprofit organization that manages Central Park under a formal Management Agreement with the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation (NYC Parks). While the City retains ownership of the park, the Conservancy is responsible for maintenance, horticulture, fundraising, and programming. #### Parque Ibirapuera (São Paulo, Brazil) Since 2019, Parque Ibirapuera has been managed through a 35-year concession awarded to [Urbia Parques](https://urbiaparques.com.br/), a for-profit company. The concession covers Ibirapuera and five additional parks in São Paulo, with responsibilities including maintenance, infrastructure improvements, and the development of revenue streams through events, sponsorships and commercial activities. #### [Parque Burle Marx](https://parqueburlemarx.com.br/) (São Paulo, Brazil) In contrast, Parque Burle Marx has been managed since 1995 by the [Fundação Aron Birmann(https://www.fundacaoaronbirmann.org.br/)], a nonprofit organization operating under a partnership agreement (OSCIP model) with the municipal government. The foundation focuses on conservation, cultural preservation and community engagement, financing operations through donations, events and parking revenues. #### [Bryant Park Corporation](https://bryantpark.org) (New York, USA) Bryant Park Corporation is a private nonprofit that manages Bryant Park through a concession agreement with the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation (NYC Parks). The Corporation funds operations through a combination of special assessments on surrounding properties (linked to a BID structure), revenues from concessions, and private donations. It is responsible for maintenance, security, events, and programming #### [Parque Nacional do Iguaçu](https://cataratasdoiguacu.com.br/) (Brazil) In 2022, Brazil's federal government awarded a new 30-year concession for visitor services at Iguaçu National Park, home to the iconic Iguaçu Falls. The concessionaire, Consórcio Novo PNI, is responsible for managing transportation, ticketing, visitor centers, and other amenities, while the federal agency ICMBio retains responsibility for environmental conservation. The concession model includes significant investments in infrastructure improvements and visitor facilities, financed through revenues from tourism activities. The [Instituto Semeia](semeia.org.br), a nonprofit organization, provided technical assistance and support throughout the concession process, contributing to the development of the project and promoting best practices in park management. ​ ### [[Privately Owned Public Spaces (POPS)#Privately Owned Urban Districts|Campus-Style or District Management]] Single large developments (urban or non-urban) where a private entity manages semi-public spaces, like promenades, squares, and parks. #### [Hudson Yards](https://www.hudsonyardsnewyork.com/) (New York, USA) A privately owned district with publicly accessible plazas, walkways, and cultural facilities, governed by private rules regarding access, behavior, and events. #### [More London](https://www.morelondon.com/) (London, UK) A riverside development featuring pedestrian areas and public art installations. Although open to the public, the spaces are owned and managed by private entities setting their own use policies.