Resolution No. 2026-143
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-143
RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO, CALIFORNIA,
AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND
MANAGEMENT SERVICES, OR DESIGNEE, TO AMEND
THE FY 2026/27 OPERATING BUDGET IN THE AMOUNT
OF $74,500 FOR THE PHASE II FORMATION OF THE
DOWNTOWN SAN BERNARDINO PROPERTY AND
BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT.
WHEREAS, the City was approached in early 2022 by downtown property owners interested in exploring the feasibility of establishing a Downtown San Bernardino Property and Business Improvement District (PBID); and
WHEREAS, in July 2022 staff conducted an informal request for qualified firms to quote the feasibility analysis of a PBID. Civitas Advisors, Inc., was selected to move forward with the Feasibility Study; and
WHEREAS, on October 1, 2022, a Professional Services Agreement with Civitas Advisors, Inc., under the City Manager’s signing authority, was executed for the Project Management for PBID Analysis based in Downtown San Bernardino with a term expiration date of September 30, 2023; and
WHEREAS, October 1, 2022, through December 2022, Civitas Advisors Inc. under the agreement performed the following: developed a project steering committee comprised of property owners proposed to be assessed in the potential PBID area; and WHEREAS, in December 2022, Civitas hosted a virtual open house to showcase the proposed PBID boundaries, in which property owners, stakeholders, and City staff attended to provide feedback; and
WHEREAS, in January 2023, a detailed Feasibility Study was created to illustrate the proposed district parameters including budget, services, and boundaries; and WHEREAS, in February 2023, Civitas hosted an in-person open house to further discuss PBID efforts and receive feedback from property owners, stakeholders, City Staff, elected officials, and the business community. The City shared the final feasibility study with the attendees; and
WHEREAS, in June 2023, at the Strategic Initiatives Workshop, staff formally presented information regarding the PBID initiative to the Mayor and City Council; and WHEREAS, on September 12, 2023, at the Special Meeting of the Mayor and City Council to implement strategic initiatives, Mayor and City Council gave direction to proceed with the PBID Formation process; and
Resolution No. 2026-143
WHEREAS, on October 4, 2023, the Mayor and City Council adopted Resolution No. 2023-144, approving a one-time allocation of $39,000 in FY 2023/24 funding for the Phase II PBID Formation process; and
WHEREAS, in September 2024, staff executed a Justification for Single Source Request Form to initiate Phase II Formation services utilizing the previously approved FY 2023/24 funding of $39,000, with Civitas Advisors, Inc.; and
WHEREAS, in February 2025, the Director of Economic Development directed staff to request updated pricing from Civitas Advisors, Inc., on the Phase II Formation as the prior quote was from 2023. Given the time lapse, the cost of services had increased, and staff executed an updated Justification for Single Source Request Form reflecting the new Phase II Formation cost; and
WHEREAS, in February 2026, City Manager, requested background information regarding the Downtown PBID initiative. After being briefed the City Manager directed the Economic Development Department to obtain updated pricing and discuss the viability of proceeding with Phase II Formation; and
WHEREAS, in March 2026, at the direction of the City Manager, the Economic Development Department contacted Civitas Advisors, Inc., to obtain updated pricing and discuss the viability of proceeding with Phase II Formation given the time that had elapsed since the completion of the original Feasibility Study. Civitas Advisors, Inc., presented two options: (1) proceed directly with Phase II of the PBID Formation process, assuming stakeholder support and engagement remained substantially unchanged; or (2) conduct an updated Phase I Feasibility Study to reassess current conditions, validate stakeholder interest, and re-engage the business community before moving forward with formation activities.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The above recitals are true and correct and are incorporated herein by this reference.
SECTION 2. Mayor and City Council hereby authorize the Director of Finance and Management Services, or designee, to amend the FY 2026/27 Operating Budget in the amount of $74,500 for the Phase II Formation of the Downtown San Bernardino Property and Business Improvement District.
SECTION 3. Mayor and City Council hereby authorize the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Civitas Advisors Inc., attached hereto as Exhibit “A”, in an amount not to exceed $74,500 for a term of one (1) year ending August 19, 2027.
SECTION 4. Mayor and City Council hereby authorize the Director of Finance and Management Services, or designee, to issue a purchase order in the amount of $74,500 to Civitas Advisors, Inc.
Resolution No. 2026-143
SECTION 5. The authorization to execute the above referenced agreement is rescinded if the agreement is not executed and returned to the Office of the City Clerk within sixty (60) days following the effective date of this Resolution.
SECTION 6. CEQA. The Mayor and City Council finds this Resolution is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in that the activity is covered by the general rule that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty, as in this case, that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA.
SECTION 7. Severability. If any provision of this Resolution or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications, and to this end the provisions of this Resolution are declared to be severable.
SECTION 8. Effective Date. This Resolution shall become effective immediately.
APPROVED and ADOPTED by the City Council and signed by the Mayor and attested by the City Clerk this 19th day of August 2026.
Helen Tran, Mayor
City of San Bernardino
Attest:
Telicia Lopez, CMC, City Clerk
Approved as to form:
Albert J. Maldonado, City Attorney
Resolution No. 2026-143
CERTIFICATION
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO) ss
CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO )
I, Telicia Lopez, CMC, City Clerk, hereby certify that the attached is a true copy of Resolution No. 2026-143, adopted at a regular meeting held on the 19th day of August 2026 by the following vote:
Council Members: AYES NAYS ABSTAIN ABSENT
SANCHEZ
IBARRA
FIGUEROA
SHORETT
KNAUS
FLORES
ORTIZ
WITNESS my hand and official seal of the City of San Bernardino this 20th day of August 2026.
Telicia Lopez, CMC, City Clerk