 Then, it spends those funds on projects meant to benefit the businesses there. Think maintenance workers, graffiti removal, and advertising campaigns, pitching downtown New Bedford as an attractive destination. If the city of New Bedford approves the bid, LaMandre expects the fees will add up to a $240,000 annual budget, which would be controlled by a private board of directors elected at a later date. LaMandre says a broad swath of the neighborhood will be invited to join the bids board.