What is the Downtown Fresno PBID?

The PBID (property-based business improvement district) is a special district where property is assessed to fund specific downtown improvements and services in addition to those provided by the City of Fresno. The PBID is selfimposed by a majority of property owners who must sign petitions and mark ballots to form the district. A governing board of property owners will oversee the budget and management.

What services will the PBID provide?

The PBID management plan, created from input from property owners, focuses on economic and environmental enhancements. Programs and incentives attract, grow and incubate new businesses. Marketing and promotions improve downtown’s image and invite consumers to downtown. Special events attract residents and visitors. Ambassadors help serve as “eyes and ears” for police by acting as witnesses to nuisance crimes such as aggressive panhandling and public urination, connect unhoused people on downtown streets to social services and provide information about downtown activities and establishments. Streetscape and signage make downtown more attractive, and parking management initiatives better utilize existing parking and plan for future needs. Fulton Mall activation provides coordinated programming of the Fulton Mall with events, entertainment and activity.

I already pay taxes. Why support a PBID?

Supporting the PBID will spur revitalization through programs and services that supplement, not replace, existing City services. While City of Fresno efforts on behalf of Downtown Fresno have improved in the last year, that alone will not create the economic vitality sought by property owners. In addition, PBID budget decisions will be made by a board of property and business owners, which ensures direct accountability for these enhanced services.

Who will manage the Downtown PBID?

The PBID Owner’s Association will be the Downtown Association of Fresno with a reconfigured board of directors consisting primarily of property owners within the District. The PBID Owner’s Association will determine budgets, assessment rates and monitor service delivery. Will the City reduce existing services Downtown?

No! The City of Fresno has established and documented the base level of preexisting City services and has articulated its intention to continue to deliver and/or pay for these services. If a PBID is formed, the PBID will not replace any preexisting general City services.

Is this PBID unique to Fresno?

More than 1,000 PBIDs exist throughout North American, and in California more than 80 PBIDs have been established since 1995. These districts are viewed as an effective way to help business districts compete in an increasingly competitive retail environment.

How would the PBID differ from the BIA already in place?

The existing BIA (business improvement area) raises assessments through business tax fees of retail and restaurant businesses within the Central

Business District. It is recommended in the PBID management plan that the BIA be eliminated and its services be replaced by the PBID.

How much will it cost me? Assessments are based on benefits. Those in Zone 1 pay for economic enhancements. Those in Zone 2 pay for economic and environmental enhancements. Those in Zone 3 pay for economic and environmental enhancements plus Fulton Mall activation. Adjustments are made for nonprofits, residences and some garages. The assessment rates are computed from property lot and building square footage. See the chart at right and budget and rate charts on the back page. How long does the PBID last? By state law, the PBID has a five-year life. Any subsequent renewal of the district would require a new management plan, petition and mail-ballot process like the one currently underway.