STAFF REPORT
City of Lancaster
CC 14
3/26/2024
JC
Date: March 26, 2024
To: Mayor Parris and City Council Members
From: Larissa De La Cruz, Director – Community Development Nicole Jones, Senior Analyst – Community Development
Subject: Approval of the Annual Report for the Downtown Lancaster Property and Business Improvement District
Recommendation:
Approve the Downtown Lancaster Property and Business Improvement District (PBID) Annual Report for 2023 submitted by The BLVD Association.
Fiscal Impact:
None.
Background:
In July 2013, with the support of more than 73% of downtown property owners, the Lancaster City Council established the Downtown Lancaster PBID. The PBID was subsequently renewed in 2018 for another five-year term and in 2023 for a ten-year term.
The creation of the PBID established a funding mechanism which generates approximately $330,000.00 annually. These funds are utilized by The BLVD Association to create a more vibrant downtown and help its member businesses thrive. Funds are allocated in three major categories:
Clean & Safe, Marketing and Promotions, and Administration & Advocacy. Each year, the BLVD Association is required to submit an annual report of its activities.
Clean & Safe
In 2023, The BLVD Association’s Clean & Safe Committee continued its focus on maintenance and security services in the form of Clean Teams and The BLVD Ambassadors. Two Clean Teams from local nonprofit Desert Haven Enterprises continue to conduct cleanup and beautification efforts throughout the downtown district weekly to ensure the general cleanliness and aesthetic appeal of The BLVD. The Association has also contracted with Streetplus to continue The BLVD Ambassadors Program, a private security and ambassador program for the downtown district. 1 5
8 3
Marketing & Promotions
The Association continued a variety of marketing efforts to attract patrons to the downtown area in 2023. Advertising efforts encompassed social media and the web. The Association also organized and/or participated in several special events, ranging from the City’s Farmers’ Market, the Tour De Luc, and annual events such as Small Business Saturday and the City’s Magical BLVD Christmas. The Association also hosted three of its own events in February, June and August culminating in 20,000 attendees.
Administration & Advocacy
The third component of the PBID budget and governance is Administration & Advocacy. This category encompasses the administration of Clean & Safe and Marketing & Promotions programs, as well as community involvement and representation.
The BLVD Association hosted a board retreat that focused on working with the newly elected Board members for the 2023 term, identified goals, and conducted strategic planning with the new team. In addition, the biannual audit of the BLVD Association’s financial statements was performed, and determined that all financial statements were accurate and complete.
LD/NJ/hb
Attachment:
The BLVD Association 2023 Annual Report