Midtown BID

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Following interest from business owners in the Midtown area for a potential business improvement district, the City of Santa Cruz contracted with Community Strong Strategies, KLI, Inc. and Civitas to engage business and property owners for feasibility and potential formation of an improvement district.

The feasibility analysis and initial outreach resulted in interest from business owners to form a Business Improvement District (BID). From there, business walks (which included a survey to determine what services businesses were most interested in) and two hybrid meetings were held. Businesses were noticed at least two weeks prior to these events.

Midtown Business Improvement District Assessment Area

Midtown BID Assessment Area

Midtown BID Formation Timeline

September 9, 2025
City Council:

Resolution of Intention to form BID
- Status: passed

October 28, 2025
City Council:

Public Meeting
1st Reading of Ordinance, Allow public testimony regarding the establishment of the BID, no action taken

November 18, 2025
City Council:

Public Meeting
2nd Reading of Ordinance Action taken regarding the establishment of the BID

December 18, 2025

Ordinance Becomes Law (30 days after)

January 2026

BID begins collecting assessments

Any questions can be directed to kferraro@santacruzca.gov

What is a Business Improvement District (BID)?

BIDs are a stable funding source for organizations of business owners working to improve their business
district. Owners within the district work together to make significant improvements, attract consumers
and develop the area. BIDs can have many functions, all of which are aimed at increasing business activity.
The operations of a BID are determined by the businesses funding the BID. BID activities can include print
and internet advertising, special event sponsorship, capital improvements, beautification efforts, and
many other programs that benefit the businesses within the district.

What does a BID do?

Who manages a BID?

How is a BID funded?

The funds will be collected from business owners via business license fees. The City will then forward the funds to the Owners’ Association. The Owners’ Association is comprised of the business owners in the District and will be responsible for implementing BID programs. The City cannot keep the funds for its own purposes – the funds must be allocated to the BID and used on the BID programs.

Why should I support forming a BID?

What are the advantages of a BID?

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