Long Beach: City Awards $250,000 in Grants to Local Business Improvement Districts
The Californer/10299547

Long Beach, CA ~ Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach has recently announced that they will be awarding $250,000 in grants to support local business improvement districts (BIDs). This decision was made at the Nov. 12, 2024 City Council meeting and was approved with a unanimous vote of 6 to 0. The funding is aimed at boosting economic vitality, improving safety, fostering collaboration, and enhancing a sense of pride and connection within Long Beach's neighborhood marketplaces.

Mayor Rex Richardson expressed his gratitude towards the city's BIDs for their partnership and dedication to making Long Beach a thriving destination for all. He stated that BIDs are vital to the strength and character of the city as they bring together local businesses, residents, and stakeholders to create unique and welcoming spaces that drive economic growth and enhance quality of life.

The grant funding will enable BIDs to continue facilitating and expanding existing programs and services that are customizable to fit the unique priorities of each district. These programs include improving the cleanliness and safety of commercial corridors, enhancing green spaces and environmental streetscapes, offering small business support and technical assistance to entrepreneurs, as well as 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 also be required to report on the use of the funds received.

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The $250,000 in grants for local BIDs is part of a larger sum of $500,000 in one-time funds proposed under the Mayor's Recommendations for the City's Fiscal Year 2025 Budget. The remaining $250,000 will be utilized to provide technical and financial assistance to small businesses throughout Long Beach through programs such as the Level Up LB: Extreme Small Business Makeover Program.

Bo Martinez, Director of Economic Development Department, emphasized that supporting and uplifting BIDs is an investment in the heart and fabric of the city. He stated that this funding will empower entrepreneurs and small businesses, enhance public spaces, and foster more vibrant neighborhood marketplaces citywide. BIDs are valuable allies and partners of the City, and their commitment to the Long Beach community is greatly appreciated.

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. Long Beach currently has nine BIDs, 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.

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For those interested in learning more about BIDs or accessing programs and resources for small businesses in Long Beach can visit longbeach.gov/bids or longbeach.gov/bizcare. They can also call the City's BizCare Hotline at 562.570.4BIZ (4249) or email 4Biz@longbeach.gov for more information.

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