BIVD
ASSOCIATION
2024
Annual Report
Introduction
In 2013, The BLVD Association (Association) partnered with the City to establish the Downtown Lancaster Property and Business Improvement District (PBID), the first-ever district of its kind in the City of Lancaster. Through this effort, the downtown area's previous business district was transformed from an entity that generated approximately $25,000 annually into an organization with more than $300,000 in resources to promote The BLVD and help its member businesses thrive. The PBID was established for a five-year period, from January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2018. The PBID was renewed in 2018 for another five-year period, from January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2023. Support for the continuance of the PBID was sufficiently strong to renew it a third time in 2023, this time for a ten-year period from January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2033,
The members of the 2024 board represented a wide range of industries and expertise, from restaurateurs and retailers to professional and personal services:
• President: Artzrun "Art" Minasayan, AV Transportation Services • President Elect: Jami Summers, Mythical Candy Factory • Treasurer: Mark Hemstreet, Destination Lancaster
• Secretary: Chenin Dow, City of Lancaster
• Director: Robert Arreguin, Fatboys Tacos
• Director: Corey Heimlich, InSite Development
Director: Andres Kabrera, Rio Brazilian Grill
Director: Lucy Mkrtchian, Olive's Mediterranean Café
• Director: Valerie Orcutt, Bella West
Director: Mike Reece, BLVD Flooring Emporium
• Director: Reina Santa Padilla, FM Dance Co.
• Director: Samantha Schmitz, Lucky Luke Brewing
The PBID's budget and governance is separated into three distinct categories: Clean & Safe, Marketing & Promotions, and Administration & Advocacy. Each of these categories is guided by a committee comprised of board members and other interested members of the Association.
Below is a summary of the activities for each in 2024.
2 Clean & Safe
In 2024, the Clean & Safe Committee continued its efforts to provide maintenance and security services via Desert Haven Enterprises and The BLVD Ambassadors.
Desert Haven Enterprises
Since 2015, The Association has engaged the services of local nonprofit Desert Haven Enterprises to conduct cleanup and beautification efforts throughout the downtown district.
Two Desert Haven crews, dubbed "Clean Teams," work
daily Monday through Friday to ensure the general
cleanliness and aesthetic appeal of The BLVD. Services
include removing trash and debris, assisting with
landscaping, sweeping, cleaning street furniture, and more.
Desert Haven Clean Team Hard at Work
Teams work on Lancaster Boulevard as well
as all side streets throughout The BLVD
district. These services augment the City of
Lancaster's existing maintenance services
on The BLVD.
The BLVD Ambassadors
The Association also contracts with Streetplus who oversee The BLVD Ambassadors, a private security and
ambassador program for the downtown district. The BLVD
Ambassadors not only augment the security of The BLVD,
but also act as hospitality delegates
who can assist patrons as they
frequent downtown destinations. The
BLVD Ambassadors focus primarily
The BLVD Ambassadors on minor quality-of-life issues and customer engagement. Through their
efforts and customer-friendly practices, the BLVD continues to be a safe place for families and guests to visit and enjoy.
3 BLVD Marketing & Promotions
The BLVD is a destination place for residents, guests and families to visit, relax and have fun.
The Association continued a variety of marketing efforts to attract patrons to the downtown area in 2024. Advertising efforts encompassed social media and the web. The Association also participated in several special events, ranging from the City's Farmers' Market, the Tour De Luc, and annual events such as the AV Chamber Christmas Parade and the City's Magical BLVD Christmas.
Administration & Advocacy
The third component of the PBID budget and governance is Administration & Advocacy. This category encompasses efforts such as administration and business attraction, as well as community involvement and representation.
Business Attraction
Additional new businesses were attracted to The BLVD
in 2024, including Monster Donuts, Beyond the Grave,
Rocket Fizz, El Kachimbon, The Rise Group, among
others.
Advocacy and Community Involvement
The BLVD Association has continued its involvement in local trade organizations such as the Antelope Valley Chambers of Commerce (formerly the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce). In addition, the Association engaged in professional development opportunities with organizations such as the California Downtown Association and International Downtown Association to bring best practices for downtown management to The BLVD.
Finances
Assessment Formula
The 2024-2025 PBID Assessment Formula is as follows:
Parcel Type Lot Rate (per square foot) Building Rate (per square foot)
Zone 1 (Frontage on Lancaster Boulevard)
Commercial $0.088 $O.170
Apartment Complexes $0.044 $0.085
Zone 2 (All other areas within the PBID)
Commercial $0.046 $0.098
Apartment Complexes $0.023 $0.049
In addition to assessments, the Association received $150,000 annually from the City of Lancaster to assist with the cost of the BLVD Ambassadors. 5 Budget for 2024
Administration & Advocacy
Audits & Bookkeeping
Insurance
Memberships
Member Communication
PBID Renewal
Registrations, Training & Travel
Other
Category Total $7,459.16
Clean & Safe
Desert Haven
BLVD Ambassadors
Global Alliance Safety Patrol
Category Total $397,557.92
Marketing & Promotions
Advertising
Events
Printed Marketing Materials
Partnerships
Promotional Giveaways
Implementation & Coordination
Category Total $5,888.96
Grand Total $419,100.58
Anticipated Revenue $487,548.25
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