Projects, initiatives, and programs funded or endorsed by the DID shall support the following guiding principles:  
  
-Support art and culture that contribute to a sense of place.    
-Foster a business-friendly environment.    
-Support a healthy and clean public realm.    
-Market the District’s business, shopping, dining, entertainment, and other offerings.    
-Drive foot traffic to District businesses and public spaces.    
-Advocate for a wide range of convenient and safe transportation options.

Focus Areas & Strategies
Economic Vitality - The economic vitality of DowntownSarasota is essential to the success of the District and City. The DID builds on this vitality and enhances property values by fostering a highly competitive urban core, attracting, and maintaining investment, and building a vibrant commercial environment to be enjoyed by businesses, residents, and visitors.
Advocacy and Partnership - The DID provides leadership and steers downtown’s potential by serving as the primary advocate for District commercial property owners, bringing stakeholders and decision makers together to champion opportunities and address challenges.
‍Beatification and Placemaking - The DID activates theDistrict’s public realm through targeted programs, beautification projects, and special events that drive street level vibrancy, improve walkability, and reinforce the District as a unique and memorable regional destination.
‍Marketing and Image - The DID promotes Downtown Sarasota as the region’s premier destination for business, the arts, entertainment, shopping, and dining, and maintains and elevates that vision through innovative and effective marketing.
‍Clean, Safe, and Welcoming - Through coordination with the City and the exploration of innovative technologies and other approaches, the DID is committed to fostering a secure environment with clean, aesthetically appealing public spaces welcoming to all who frequent the District.