City Awards $250,000 in Grants to Local Business Improvement Districts

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PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach has awarded $250,000 in grants to support local business improvement districts (BIDs). Presented at the Nov. 12, 2024, City Council meeting and approved with a 6 to 0 vote, the funding will help boost economic vitality, improve safety, foster collaboration and enhance a sense of pride and connection within Long Beach neighborhood marketplaces and beyond.

"Business improvement districts are vital to the strength and character of our city - they bring together local businesses, residents and stakeholders to create unique and welcoming spaces that drive economic growth and enhance quality of life," said Mayor Rex Richardson. "We are thankful to our city's BIDs for their partnership and steadfast dedication to making Long Beach a thriving destination for all. Their success is our city's success."

The grant funding will enable BIDs to continue to facilitate and expand existing programs and services, customizable to fit the unique priorities of each district, such as improving the cleanliness and safety of commercial corridors, enhancing green space and the environmental streetscape, offering small business support and technical assistance to entrepreneurs, and conducting special events and activations. Each BID will receive a grant ranging between $19,592 and $32,398 depending on the number of units, or businesses, located within its boundaries. Contracted organizations will be required to report on the use of the funds received.

The $250,000 in grants to support local BIDs is funded as part of $500,000 in one-time funds that were proposed under the Mayor's Recommendations for the City's Fiscal Year 2025 Budget and approved by the City Council. The other $250,000 in funds will be utilized to continue providing technical and financial assistance to small businesses throughout Long Beach through support programs such as the Level Up LB: Extreme Small Business Makeover Program.

"Supporting and uplifting our business improvement districts is an investment in the heart and fabric of our diverse city," said Economic Development Department Director Bo Martinez. "This funding will help to empower entrepreneurs and small businesses, enhance public spaces and foster more vibrant neighborhood marketplaces citywide. BIDs are invaluable allies and partners of the City, and we are thankful for their commitment to the Long Beach community."

BIDs operate as publicly sanctioned organizations that supplement public services throughout business corridors in the city. By pooling resources and fostering collaboration, BIDs play a critical role in revitalizing neighborhoods and serve as a powerful voice for the businesses in their district. There are nine BIDs in Long Beach, including Belmont Shore Business Association, Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association, Downtown Long Beach Alliance, Fourth Street Business Improvement Association, Midtown Property & Business Owner's Association, Uptown Property and Community Association, Visit Long Beach and Zaferia Business Association. The City supports BIDs as a tool for strengthening small businesses, creating and retaining jobs, improving quality of life and revitalizing commercial corridors.

To learn more about BIDs, visit longbeach.gov/bids. For information about programs and resources for small businesses, those interested can visit longbeach.gov/bizcare, call the City's BizCare Hotline at 562.570.4BIZ (4249) or email [email protected].

About the City of Long Beach
Long Beach is nestled along the Southern California coast and home to approximately 466,000 people. As an award-winning full-service charter city, Long Beach offers the amenities of a metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods, culture and community. With a bustling downtown and over six miles of scenic beaches, Long Beach is a renowned tourist and business destination and home to the iconic Queen Mary, nationally recognized Aquarium of the Pacific and Long Beach Airport, award-winning Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center and world-class Port of Long Beach.

For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit longbeach.gov/. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, X, Instagramand YouTube. For more information about the Long Beach Economic Development Department, visit longbeach.gov/ed, follow on Facebook, X and Instagram. Stay up to date on business news by signing up for the City's Business Brief.

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