Not sure what a BID does?
Below we have some answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding BIDs and the benefits of forming one.
What is the East Hollywood BID?
A BID or "Property-Based Business Improvement District", is a self-imposed and self-governed benefit assessment district that finances enhanced services. A BID is "self-imposed" in that it requires affected property owners to sign petitions and ballots in order to form the district. It is "self-governed" in that the property and business owner Board of the East Hollywood District, a non-profit organization, makes BID program and management decisions.
What are the advantages to forming a BID?
There are several advantages to forming a BID:
-Cleaner, safer and more attractive business district
-Steady & reliable funding for supplemental services & programs
-The ability to quickly respond to the changing needs of the business community
-The potential to increase property values, improve sales and decrease commercial vacancy rates.
- A district that is better able to compete with nearby retail and business centers.
What are area specific programs?
In a Business Improvement District, a special assessment pays for programs and services, which are tailored to the area defined by representatives of the BID. A variety of activities and improvements are authorized for BIDs and defined by state law. Collectively, these services, activities and programs are referred to as "improvements."
What services does the BID provide?
The BID finances services that are over and above the basic services provided by local government. These services include uniformed Safety Patrols on bicycles and in our own Security vehicle and litter pick-up, sidewalk scrubbing and graffiti removal by uniformed Maintenance Teams. In addition to these "Clean & Safe" services, the BID provides funds for community improvement and advocacy initiatives that work to improve the District's business climate and overall quality of life, as well as advocating on behalf of the property owners collectively.
I already pay taxes! Why pay more for the BID?
Your general property and sales taxes pay for services that are distributed throughout the City and region. Unlike these general tax dollars, 98% of the BID assessments come back to the District for special projects and services that are enjoyed only by the District. In addition, the City of Los Angeles has a citywide policy that they will continue to provide BIDs with the same basic service as they provide to other business districts.
What is the City's role in providing these improvements?
The City's primary role is to exercise its municipal authority to levy the assessment on behalf of the BID community. By having the City assess all affected parties, the BID receives funds from everyone benefiting from the improvements. The City is also authorized to audit or otherwise review the financial condition of the BID. In this way, the City assists the BID membership with oversight and review so that the special assessment is used according to the intentions of the business community.
How are BID programs and services paid for?
Funds to pay for BID programs and services are generated from a special assessment paid by the benefiting property owners. The assessment is billed and collected by the City of Los Angeles and then disbursed to the BID, which in turn delivers the district's services.
What is a BID assessment?
A BID assessment is a fee that each property owner pays to support the operations of the BID. The sums of all the individual assessments that property owners pay comprise the yearly assessment of the BID and annual operating budget. The total yearly assessment is unique to each BID.
What city services would be reduced if the BID is providing similar services?
None. The services provided by the BID are supplemental to the services provided to the district by the City. The City must maintain a baseline level of service to all areas regardless of the presence of a BID.
Where can I get info on the citywide BID program?
A large amount of information regarding BIDs in the City of Los Angeles may be examined including reference materials, City council actions, BID reports and newsletters and information videotapes. The L.A. City Council directed the Office of the City Clerk to serve as the primary agency regarding the BID Program. The City Clerk's Administrative Services Division, through its Special Assessments Unit, manages the Program and provides various types of assistance and information to interested parties. The City Clerk's Administrative Services Division is located at: