Just as a turbulent year seemed to be smoothing out, the organization charged with maintaining, revitalizing and growing business and activity in downtown Auburn finds itself again in a state of flux.

After little more than two months on the job, the executive director of the Downtown Auburn Business Improvement District has resigned to take a position elsewhere.

BID's officers and board members need to quickly get to work to find a replacement.

Board president Henry MacDonald said the search for a new director would begin immediately. That's good news, because a lot of work lies ahead.

BID is an important link between business and government and it needs an experienced and energetic director to continue marketing downtown to potential businesses.

The city still has too many vacant buildings; parking availability and enforcement have riled business owners and visitors; and State Street remains an underutilized focal point for lunchtime music and other events that might draw visitors.

It is hoped the $1.3 million streetscape improvement project currently under way will help, but BID needs to be more proactive in event planning and public relations.

Board members need to make sure their issues are being heard and that the public is kept updated as things move forward. Not much news - good, bad or indifferent - came out of the BID office during the transition between its two most recent executive directors.

We hope BID moves quickly in its search for a new leader, and we hope the search committee is able to find someone prepared to make a long-term commitment to Auburn.

A lot of work remains to be done, and it's going to take time before the city, its businesses, and the public see the kind of vibrant downtown we are all still hoping it can become.