City Council Memorandum
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL DATE: DECEMBER 2, 2025 FROM: FINANCE DEPARTMENT WARDS: 1 & 2
SUBJECT: PUBLIC HEARING – RESOLUTION CONFIRMING ANNUAL REPORT OF RIVERSIDE BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP ACTING AS ADVISORY BOARD TO RIVERSIDE DOWNTOWN PARKING AND BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT AREA AND LEVYING ASSESSMENTS FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2026 ISSUE:
Conduct a Public Hearing to hear and rule on any protests to the annual assessment proposed for the Riverside Downtown Parking and Business Improvement District for Calendar Year 2026 and adopt a Resolution confirming the annual report of the Riverside Downtown Partnership, acting as the advisory board to the Riverside Downtown Parking and Business Improvement District, and levying assessments for Calendar Year 2026.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That the City Council:
Conduct a Public Hearing to hear and rule on any protests to the annual assessment proposed for the Riverside Downtown Parking and Business Improvement Area annual assessment and projects for Calendar Year 2026; and Adopt a Resolution confirming the annual report of the Riverside Downtown Partnership, acting as the advisory board to the Downtown Parking and Business Improvement Area and levying assessments for Calendar Year 2026.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Riverside established the Downtown Parking and Business Improvement Area (Downtown BIA) to promote, represent and manage an environment that supports downtown Riverside as a regional destination for economic arts, cultural, and residential uses. The City Council approved the Downtown BIA in June 1985, with the first assessments beginning January 1, 1986, and was codified in Chapter 3.46 of the Riverside Municipal Code. The Riverside Downtown Partnership (RDP) was designated as the advisory board to manage the Downtown BIA.
The annual assessment for each business within the Downtown BIA is set at a rate of one hundred percent (100%) of the non-discounted business tax charge. The City’s business tax rates are adjusted annually on November 1 and are based upon the most recent annual change in the consumer price index for the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario metropolitan area, or by a maximum of 5%, whichever is lower.
The Downtown BIA was formed under Section 36500 of the California Streets & Highways Code. The Code mandates the advisory board to prepare an annual report detailing the adjustments and activities funded by the district. The City Council may approve the report as filed or request modification and approve it as modified.
During the annual levy process for FY 2023/2024, the City Council determined that in order to enhance transparency within all Business Improvement Districts, additional detailed information would need to be provided from the advisory boards. Resolution 24097, adopted by City Council on March 19, 2024, outlines the scope of new reporting requirements for the Downtown BID, effective for all reporting beginning in FY 2024/25.
DISCUSSION:
The City Council adopted Resolution No. 24313 on October 21, 2025, declaring the intention to impose an assessment for the Downtown BIA for calendar year 2026, and setting the Public Hearing for December 2, 2025.
According to the Annual Report, there are no proposed changes to the district boundaries or assessment amounts of the Downtown BIA. The report provides a detailed method and basis of calculating the assessments, enabling each business owner to estimate their annual charges. In 2026, promotion for business activities will continue to be marketed through various methods, including the Pocket and Dining Guide, the Downtown Riverside Historic Walking Guide, and the monthly newsletter. Beautification efforts in the area include outdoor murals, alley lighting, and tree trimming. RDP plans to host and sponsor events such as the Riverside Art and Music Festival, the Mission Inn Run, and Miracles on Main.
Upon conclusion of this Public Hearing, the City Council may confirm the Annual Report as originally filed, or Council can order changes to any portion of the annual report and confirm the report as modified. To levy assessments for Calendar Year 2026, City Council must approve the Resolution confirming the Annual Report and levying assessments within the District.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This action has no fiscal impact to the City. The assessment is expected to generate approximately $510,000 for calendar year 2026, which the City will collect through the annual business tax process and transfer directly to the Riverside Downtown Partnership.
Prepared by: Meline Carranza, Debt and Treasury Manager Approved by: Sergio Aguilar, Deputy Finance Director
Certified as to
availability of funds: Kristie Thomas, Finance Director/Assistant Chief Financial Officer Approved by: Edward Enriquez, Assistant City Manager/Chief Financial Officer/City Treasurer
Approved as to form: Rebecca McKee-Reimbold, Interim City Attorney Attachments:
Resolution
Annual Report of the Riverside Downtown Parking and BIA Boundary Map of the Downtown Parking and BIA
Presentation – City of Riverside
Presentation – Riverside Downtown Partnership
Downtown Assessment Approval Round #2 ● Page 2