Business Improvement District (BID)

In early 1989, a group of civic-minded individuals determined through canvassing, public hearings and numerous communications, that a majority of downtown business owners were interested in organizing what is known as a Business Improvement District (BID). A BID consists of business owners in a pre-determined geographical area who are interested in imposing upon themselves an annual assessment to promote, revitalize and enhance the area. Escondido's BID is bounded by Washington Avenue, the alley-way between 5th and 6th Streets, Centre City Parkway and Hickory Street, including a small section from Centre City to the railroad right-of way (see map).

The BID was created in June 1989 by ordinance of the City Council of Escondido, and the Downtown Business Association of Escondido was designated as the Advisory Board and the steward of BID funds. The City of Escondido collects annual assessments from businesses within the BID at the same time as business licenses are renewed. The assessment funds are then forwarded to the Downtown Business Association for the promotion, enhancement and general revitalization of the BID.

The Downtown Business Association of Escondido (DBA) is a non-profit, mutual benefit corporation (IRC § 501(c)(6)) governed by a 15-member Board of Directors representing all downtown businesses: merchants, professionals, services and financial institutions alike. The Board is elected from the BID businesses and its members serve without compensation. The Board also determines the programs and budget required to pursue the objectives of the organization and meet the needs of its members. Every licensed business within BID boundaries is automatically a member of the DBA.

The DBA serves Downtown Escondido through its Chief Executive Officer and staff who work with members serving on various standing committees, including Civic and Government Overview, Design, Economic Development, Promotions, Farmers' Market, and various other ad hoc committees. DBA volunteers also serve on City committees including the Downtown Parking Task Force, First Night Escondido, Marketing, Historic Preservation and Design Review.

Benefits to individual businesses come in both direct and indirect forms. Improved security, for example, directly affects every business. A promotional activity may directly benefit the retail segment, and the general increase in the image and economic health of the area, along with new business recruitment, also means more business opportunities for professionals, services and financial institutions.

The Downtown Business Association's Chief Executive Officer will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the DBA and the Business Improvement District. We welcome your ideas and involvement. The DBA office is located at 120 West Grand Avenue, Suite 202, and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. We look forward to working for you and with you.