In November 2018, City staff began managing the administration of the Central Vista Business Improvement District (CVBID). On December 5, 2018 the CVBID Advisory Board approved a 2019 -2020 Annual Report recommending that the CVBID continue into the 2019-2020 with no changes to the boundaries or fees (Exhibit 2). At that Advisory Board meeting, there was discussion on how funds would be distributed in Fiscal Year (FY) 2019/20, including the option for a grant program. On January 15, 2019, the CVBID advisory board held a special meeting to discuss what a grant
program may include. City staff developed a proposed grant program based on the feedback of the Advisory Board.
On January 30, 2019, the CVBID Advisory Board voted unanimously to have the City complete the existing work plan for FY 2018/19. Staff will complete these remaining tasks, which are highlighted in the CVBID Annual Work Plan Update for FY 2018/19 (Exhibit 3). In addition, the CVBID Advisory Board voted unanimously to propose to the City Council a CVBID Grant Program (Exhibit 4). This program would issue the CVBID assessment fees in the form of grants to organizations capable of completing activities to meet the CVBID work plan goals listed in the CVBID FY 2019/20 Annual Report.
The proposed CVBID Grant Program will provide grants and micro grants to qualified organizations to complete activities that fulfill the CVBID Work Plan goals. These goals are general promotion of business activities; promotion of public events; decoration of public spaces; furnishing music for public places/ events; and, the acquisition, construction, installation and/or maintenance of improvements. The CVBID Grant Program is intended to encourage the community to submit creative ideas for events and programs that will enhance the district in accordance with the CVBID Work Plan goals and allow the businesses who pay assessments to benefit from the CVBID fees collected without the cost of third party administration.Staff anticipates that between $48,000 and $50,000 in BID fees will be available for the grant program, based in prior years’ actual BID fees received. The grant program would distribute grants in the amount $1,000 to $10,000 and micro grants in the amount of$1,000 or less. Grantees will be awarded 50% of the grant at the beginning of the fiscal year and the remaining 50% when the proposed activity is completedand the Advisory Board reviews the grantee CVBID Grant Program Reporting Form. A copy of the CVBID Program details is attached as Exhibit 4. The Economic Development Department will administer the program to ensure adherence to financial reporting, special event permit requirements and best legal practices. Staff recommends City Council adopt the attached resolution establishing the Central Vista Business Improvement District Grant Program. If approved, the CVBID Grant Program will open an applications acceptance period on March 18, 2019 and close it on April 18, 2019. The CVBID Advisory Board will review and recommend applications and bring the proposed awards to the City Council for approval in June. Grantees will be required to complete an Agreement with the City.
