Bussiness Improvement & Maintenance Assessment Districts

What is a Business Improvement District?

A business improvement district (BID for short) is a defined geographical area where businesses vote to assess themselves an additional tax/assessment in order to fund enhanced services or projects within the district's boundaries. Enhanced services are services above and beyond what is normally provided by the city. BID associations serve as a source of support to member businesses by managing maintenance and security programs, providing small businesses with technical assistance, and hosting a variety of marketing and special events that help generate business for the districts.

The City Heights BID was created in 2003 and includes businesses along and just off of University Avenue, between the 805 freeway and 48th Street. That year, the City Heights Business Association entered into an agreement with the City of San Diego to manage the City Heights BID.

Learn more about business improvements districts in the City of San Diego.

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What is a Maintenance Assessment District?

A maintenance assessment district (MAD for short) is a defined geographical area where property owners vote to assess themselves an additional tax/assessment in order to fund enhanced services or projects within the district's boundaries.  In 2004, property owners voted to create the City Heights MAD along portions of University Avenue, 37th Street, Central Avenue, 43rd Street and Fairmount Avenue. Some of the enhanced maintenance services provided include landscaping, sidewalk and gutter sweeping, lighting, sidewalk power washing, trash removal and graffiti abatement.

Since 2005, The City Heights Business Association has managed the City Heights MAD under contract with the City of San Diego. Daily maintenance within the district is performed by the staff of the CHBA Clean & Safe Program.

Learn more about maintenance assessment districts in the City of San Diego.

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