Arlington Business Partnership
Annual Report — FY 2025–2026
Reporting Period: November 1, 2025 through July 31, 2026
Approved:
July
2026
Submitted
by:
Oz
Puerta,
Executive
Director
Introduction
The Arlington Business Partnership proudly presents its Annual Report for FY 2025–2026. This report
summarizes
the
organization’s
governance,
strategic
direction,
community
engagement,
business
support,
physical
improvements,
financial
activity,
and
proposed
services
for
FY
2026–2027.
The Arlington Business Partnership serves as the advisory and managing organization for the Arlington
Business
Improvement
District.
Its
work
focuses
on
providing
tangible
value
to
district
businesses,
improving
Arlington’s
physical
environment,
promoting
economic
vitality,
strengthening
partnerships,
and
creating
a
greater
sense
of
pride
among
those
who
live,
work,
shop,
and
conduct
business
in
Arlington.
History and Mission
The Arlington Business Improvement District was established in October 2002, and the Arlington
Business
Partnership
was
appointed
to
assist
with
the
district’s
management
and
improvement.
Mission Statement
To advocate and foster the economic and community development of the Arlington Business District,
creating
a
sense
of
pride
for
all
who
live,
work,
and
do
business
in
Arlington.
Board of Directors
Officers
Cindy Keyes Ross — President, Keyes Mane Design
Mike Sadeghian — Vice President, Van Buren Land & Investments Mike Munksgaard — Treasurer, Center Electric
Michael Wilhelm — Secretary, Community at Large
Directors
Paul Akes — Director, Akes Family Funeral Home
Joshua Kopp — Director, Arlington Community Action Group Michael Canahai — Director, Affordable Homeworks
Michele Drake-Fox — Director, Pet Wants USA
Miles Ward — Director, Community at Large
Carolyn Badger — Director, Community at Large
Jack Cords — Director, Printing Connection
James Hawthorne — Director, Shalhoub’s McDonald’s
Board Policies
The Arlington Business Partnership maintains the following formal governance documents and policies:
● Code of Conduct ● Conflict of Interest Policy ● Policies and governance provisions contained in the organization’s bylaws
Strategic Goals
The Arlington Business Partnership continues to operate under the following strategic goals:
1. Enhance the Physical Environment 2. Improve Marketing and Visibility 3. Support Local Business Growth 4. Strengthen Strategic Partnerships These goals were introduced during the prior fiscal year. FY 2025–2026 represented an early implementation
period
in
which
the
Arlington
Business
Partnership
continued
developing
programs,
partnerships,
staffing,
and
performance
measures
to
advance
each
goal.
The Arlington Business Partnership also adopted its 2025–2028 Strategic Plan in 2025. The plan
expands
the
organization’s
long-term
direction
into
five
interconnected
areas:
● Refreshed Marketing and Branding ● Tangible Business Support ● Physical Improvements ● Economic Development ● Proactive Engagement The Strategic Plan includes objectives, action steps, milestones, and performance indicators intended
to
guide
the
Arlington
Business
Partnership’s
work
through
2028.
Community Engagement Plan
Monthly Meetings
The Arlington Business Partnership provides recurring opportunities for district businesses, community
partners,
City
staff,
and
members
of
the
public
to
discuss
needs
and
review
progress.
Board of Directors meetings are held on the first Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m.
The Marketing and Economic Development Committee meets on the first Wednesday of each month
at
5:30
p.m.
The Community Action Committee meets on the first Friday of each month at 5:30 p.m.
The Marketing and Economic Development committees are now combined into one monthly committee
meeting.
Identifying Business and District Needs
The Arlington Business Partnership identifies emerging needs through:
● Direct requests and reports from district businesses ● Monthly outreach and check-ins with businesses ● Routine inspections conducted by staff ● Reports and referrals from City of Riverside staff ● Issues raised during monthly board and committee meetings ● Comments and requests received through social media ● Observations made during cleanup and beautification work The Arlington Business Partnership is also exploring access to shared City of Riverside 311 service-request
information.
Access
to
this
information
could
help
staff
identify
dumping,
graffiti,
vandalism,
and
maintenance
concerns
sooner
and
coordinate
a
faster
response.
Tracking Progress
The Arlington Business Partnership tracks its work through:
● Before, during, and after photographs ● Project and event photographs ● Monthly Board of Directors updates ● Review of completed projects and emerging needs ● Financial records and grant documentation ● Strategic Plan performance measures Monthly Board of Directors meetings provide a recurring opportunity to review results, address concerns,
and
adjust
priorities.
FY 2025–2026 Accomplishments
Cleanup and Beautification
The Arlington Business Partnership completed approximately 40 cleanup and beautification projects
on
a
rotating
schedule
throughout
the
Arlington
Business
Improvement
District.
Through its partnership with Keep Riverside Clean and Beautiful, more than 500 volunteers participated
in
cleanup
activities
within
the
district.
Work performed included:
● Litter and debris removal
● Illegal dumping response ● Graffiti removal ● Pressure washing ● Parking lot restriping ● Bus shelter cleaning and maintenance ● Monument cleaning and restoration ● Public right-of-way cleanup ● General district beautification These services provided visible and tangible benefits by improving commercial corridors, storefront
surroundings,
parking
areas,
public
infrastructure,
and
the
overall
appearance
of
the
district.
Physical Improvement Highlights
Notable FY 2025–2026 projects included:
● Flower Alley mural ● Riverside County Lumber Co. outdoor lighting improvements ● Pressure washing at Sadeghian Magnolia Center following vandalism ● Monthly touch-ups, cleaning, and pressure washing of Arlington Business Partnership bus
shelters
● Cleanup and restoration of vandalized Arlington monuments ● Parking lot restriping at Akes Family Funeral Home ● Beautification wraps installed on four frequently vandalized utility boxes The utility box wraps incorporated artwork and wording related to Arlington’s identity and history.
The
project
helped
discourage
recurring
vandalism
while
turning
public
infrastructure
into
a
visible
celebration
of
the
district.
Events and Community Programming
The Arlington Business Partnership hosted, supported, promoted, or participated in numerous community
and
business
events
during
FY
2025–2026,
including:
● Riverside Chili Cook-Off ● Winter Wonderland ● Arlington’s Holiday Season ● Business grand openings ● Business anniversary celebrations ● Inside Arlington ● Additional community events and partnership activities The Arlington Business Partnership helped celebrate the grand opening of Riverside’s first Dutch
Bros.
The Arlington Business Partnership also supported Horizon Barbershop’s five-year anniversary and
Norris
Jewelers’
anniversary
celebration.
Holiday Decorations
The Arlington Business Partnership restored and displayed 20 of its 24 large holiday wreaths, along
with
approximately
100
smaller
wreaths
throughout
the
district.
Garland was installed across eligible poles where it could be placed safely.
The holiday program experienced no major widespread vandalism. Most damage was limited to decorations
located
near
ground
level.
One
significant
incident
involved
the
destruction
of
the
Arlington
Business
Partnership’s
Christmas
tree
located
on
the
center
median
near
Magnolia
Avenue
and
Van
Buren
Boulevard.
The
damaged
tree
was
replaced
so
the
holiday
display
could
continue.
During FY 2026–2027, the Arlington Business Partnership intends to:
● Restore the remaining four large wreaths ● Maintain and reuse the 20 restored large wreaths ● Continue using approximately 100 smaller wreaths ● Expand garland and other decorations where installation can be completed safely ● Improve the protection and placement of ground-level decorations ● Continue building a more complete Arlington holiday display
Direct Benefits and Support for Businesses
The Arlington Business Partnership contacts district businesses monthly to check on their operations,
identify
concerns,
and
determine
what
assistance
may
be
needed.
Direct assistance during FY 2025–2026 included:
● Grand opening coordination ● Business anniversary recognition ● Social media and event promotion ● Connections to Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce resources ● Assistance with Physical Improvement Program and vandalism reimbursement applications
● Guidance regarding City permits and code-related questions ● Police and public safety referrals ● Homelessness and encampment referrals ● Advocacy and coordination with City departments ● Assistance identifying business resources and partner organizations The Arlington Business Partnership maintains a strong partnership with the Greater Riverside Chambers
of
Commerce
and
its
Ambassador
program.
The
Arlington
Business
Partnership
also
presents
at
Inside
Arlington
alongside
the
Chamber
and
community
partners.
Homelessness-related concerns were among the most frequent issues raised by businesses.
Although
the
Arlington
Business
Partnership
does
not
directly
provide
homelessness
services
or
law-enforcement
functions,
the
organization
redirects
those
concerns
to
the
appropriate
City
staff
and
raises
recurring
issues
during
monthly
Board
of
Directors
meetings.
BID Boundaries and Assessment
Boundary Changes
The Arlington Business Partnership proposes no changes to the existing boundaries of the Arlington
Business
Improvement
District
for
FY
2026–2027.
Assessment Structure
The current BID assessment is a flat $400 per assessable business annually.
This equals approximately $33.33 per month or $7.69 per week.
Approximately 938 businesses are expected to be assessed, producing estimated annual assessment
revenue
of
$375,200.
Home-based businesses are not assessed.
Businesses experiencing financial hardship are encouraged to contact the Arlington Business Partnership.
The
organization
works
with
businesses
to
understand
broader
operating
challenges
and
connect
them
with
available
programs,
agencies,
guidance,
or
other
support.
The flat annual assessment gives each assessable business a straightforward method for estimating
its
obligation
while
supporting
districtwide
services
such
as
cleanup,
pressure
washing,
restriping,
physical
improvements,
marketing,
events,
grants,
and
business
assistance.
Website and Public Transparency
The Arlington Business Partnership’s official website is:
www.riversideabp.com
The website provides public access to:
● Meeting information ● BID boundary map ● Grant applications ● Volunteer information ● Arlington Business Partnership contact information ● Special event information The website supports transparency, business participation, volunteer recruitment, and public awareness
of
Arlington
Business
Partnership
programs.
FY 2025–2026 Financial Results (YTD)
Income
BID Assessments: $296,506.28
Sponsorships and Contributed Income: $33,812.08
Total Income: $330,318.36
Marketing
Riverside Chili Cook-Off: $44,913.99
Winter Wonderland: $2,499.16
Business Promotions: $5,304.18
Total Marketing: $52,717.33
Physical Improvements
General Improvements: $8,942.97
Holiday Lighting: $44,734.01
PIP Grants and Vandalism Reimbursement: $7,910.98
Total Physical Improvements: $61,587.96
Administrative Expenses
Meeting Expenses: $6,186.48
Cleaning: $600.00
Internet, TV, Phone, Alarm, and Cameras: $1,982.43 Rent: $24,288.48
Utilities: $696.67
Software and Apps: $1,684.27
Office Supplies and Administrative Costs: $6,711.16 Insurance: $7,140.00
Payroll and Taxes: $108,462.99
Total Administrative Expenses: $157,752.48
Financial Summary
Total Income: $330,318.36
Total Expenses: $272,057.77
Net Revenue: $58,276.94
The Arlington Business Partnership will carry forward $58,276.94 in net revenue to support programs,
services,
physical
improvements,
events,
business
assistance,
and
operating
needs
during
FY
2026–2027.
FY 2026–2027 Proposed Revenue
BID Assessments: $375,200.00
Sponsorships and Contributions: $25,000.00
Sales and Event Revenue: $5,000.00
FY 2025–2026 Carryover: $58,276.94
Total Available Resources: $463,476.94
FY 2026–2027 Proposed Budget
Marketing
Riverside Chili Cook-Off: $50,000.00
Winter Wonderland: $10,000.00
Business Promotions: $8,000.00
Total Marketing: $68,000.00
Physical Improvements
General Improvements and Beautification Program: $104,000.00 Holiday Lighting: $45,000.00
PIP Grants and Vandalism Reimbursement: $20,000.00 Total Physical Improvements: $169,000.00
Administrative Expenses
Meeting Expenses: $6,500.00
Cleaning: $3,600.00
Internet, TV, Phone, Alarm, and Cameras: $2,400.00 Rent: $28,800.00
Utilities: $3,000.00
Software and Apps: $2,400.00
Office Supplies: $8,000.00
Insurance: $10,000.00
Payroll and Taxes: $112,000.00
Total Administrative Expenses: $176,700.00
Proposed Budget Summary
Total Available Resources: $463,476.94
Total Proposed Expenses: $413,700.00
Projected Ending Balance: $49,776.94
The projected ending balance will provide operational flexibility for unexpected repairs, vandalism,
delayed
assessment
collections,
event
overruns,
emergency
maintenance,
and
other
district
needs.
FY 2025–2026 Sponsors and Community Partners
The Arlington Business Partnership’s FY 2025–2026 sponsors and community partners included:
● New York Pizza ● Akes Family Funeral Home ● Center Electric ● Riverside Auto Center ● Rolling Brews ● Horizon Barbershop ● Keep Riverside Clean and Beautiful ● Shalhoub’s McDonald’s ● City of Riverside ● Affordable Homeworks ● Righty Tighty Plumbing ● Smart Prep ● The Cave Clinical Services ● Athens Services ● Pho Star Bowl ● The Home Show People These organizations supported the Arlington Business Partnership through combinations of sponsorships,
services,
food,
in-kind
contributions,
volunteer
assistance,
event
participation,
or
other
community
partnerships.
Anticipated FY 2026–2027 Sponsors and Partners
The Arlington Business Partnership anticipates continuing outreach and partnership opportunities
with
the
following
organizations
during
FY
2026–2027:
● New York Pizza ● Akes Family Funeral Home ● Center Electric ● Riverside Auto Center ● Rolling Brews ● Horizon Barbershop ● Keep Riverside Clean and Beautiful ● Shalhoub’s McDonald’s ● City of Riverside ● Affordable Homeworks ● Righty Tighty Plumbing ● Smart Prep ● The Cave Clinical Services ● Athens Services ● Pho Star Bowl ● The Home Show People
FY 2026–2027 Planned Improvements and Activities
The Arlington Business Partnership plans to provide or continue the following services and programs:
● Rotating district cleanups ● Graffiti removal coordination ● Illegal dumping response ● Pressure washing ● Parking lot restriping ● Bus shelter maintenance ● Arlington monument maintenance ● Utility box beautification and maintenance ● Holiday lighting restoration and installation ● Physical Improvement Program grants ● Vandalism reimbursement ● Riverside Chili Cook-Off ● Winter Wonderland ● Arlington’s Holiday Season ● Business promotions and district marketing ● Business grand opening support ● Business anniversary recognition ● Website and social media communications ● Volunteer engagement ● Monthly business outreach ● Business referrals and City coordination ● Implementation of the 2025–2028 Strategic Plan
Looking Ahead
During FY 2026–2027, the Arlington Business Partnership will continue implementing its board-adopted
2025–2028
Strategic
Plan.
Priorities will include:
● Modernizing the organization’s branding and digital presence ● Improving public-facing business resources ● Expanding direct business support ● Hosting workshops, networking opportunities, and business events ● Continuing storefront, PIP, and vandalism reimbursement assistance ● Expanding beautification, pressure washing, restriping, and maintenance ● Advocating for infrastructure improvements ● Increasing business outreach and surveys ● Strengthening social media and public communication ● Pursuing economic development opportunities along Magnolia Avenue and Van Buren Boulevard
● Strengthening collaboration with businesses, property owners, developers, City departments,
and
partner
organizations
● Using Strategic Plan performance indicators to measure and report progress