BCA was founded in 1921 in order to provide a means for all citizens, working through member association, to participate in the shaping of their life in the larger community. The BCA assists government officials in developing, publicizing, and implementing city-wide programs such as education, housing urban renewal, public works, transportation, and welfare. It helps determine the community’s needs and problems, and seeks solutions and relief. It promotes cooperation among the various community organizations by providing a forum for exchange of ideas, information, research and opinions.

BCA branches out to the community by sponsoring and co-sponsoring programs of community education on subjects significant to the city as a whole. It provides a forum in which people of any neighborhood may speak so as to be heard beyond the local boundaries in calling attention to civic activities and problems. It also encourages young people to become involved in civic work and responsibilities so that they may become the effective leaders of tomorrow.