Streets, parks, and other public spaces are important to the character of historic district neighborhoods. Often special treatment is necessary to maintain public right-of-way areas in a manner that is consistent with the guidelines for the historic districts. Municipal Service District (MSD) designation provides an equitable method for funding special improvements to public right-of-way areas because property owners share in the cost. In return, citizens decide for themselves what projects will be funded in their neighborhood and then participate in planning those projects.

Special taxation districts or "service districts" have been used as a financing tool for downtown revitalization and for other purposes for many years in North Carolina cities. In 1987, the Municipal Service District Act was amended to allow certain cities, including Greensboro, to create service districts to finance "streetscape" projects in local historic districts. Eligible projects include period lighting, special street signage, landscaping and street furniture, and similar public right-of-way improvements which are intended to enhance the historic character of the neighborhood, and which are not ordinarily provided by the City. The funds may also be used for related planning and design work, and for promotional activities. Currently, property owners in College Hill and Charles B. Aycock Historic Districts pay $.05 more per $100 of valuation.

MSD projects in College Hill include a barrier fence along the railroad tracks, trash receptacles along sidewalks, street trees and decorative street lights, and monetary contribution to a large infrastructure project along Spring Garden Street completed in 2004. In the Charles B. Aycock district, MSD funds have been used to landscape the approaches to the Hendrix Street pedestrian bridge (recently renamed the Max Thompson Memorial Bridge), the renovation of Sternberger Park, and decorative streetlights.