City Hall and other offices will be closed to the public from December 23 to January 3, but appointments are available upon request. Public safety and emergency services remain available 24/7.  

Community Benefit District (CBiD) Formation Process 2024/2025

A Community Benefit District (CBiD) is a public-private partnership where property and/or business owners collaborate to enhance and maintain their neighborhood. Funds may be raised through a special assessment on real property, businesses, or a combination of both, and are used to provide supplemental services beyond those currently being provided by the City.

The City of San Rafael has retained the firm New City America to assist in exploring formation of a Community Benefit District (CBiD) in collaboration with downtown stakeholders. The intent is to improve business opportunities and enhance the physical environment in downtown.

Where – The precise geographic area will be determined in the first stage of the feasibility study and will generally cover and/or expand the area covered under the existing Downtown San Rafael Business Improvement District (BID).

When – This is a year-long process. Phase 1, August through December 2024, includes a feasibility study. Pending the success of Phase 1, Phase 2 will occur from January to July 2025. If approved, the district would be effective in January 2026.

Key Milestones in the prospective District formation process [updated Nov. 25, 2024]

  • Summer 2024 – New City America, Inc. selected to manage formation of and provide services for the CBID/PBID via competitive bid process
  • Information and Listening Sessions
    • September 30, 2024 – First Downtown San Rafael BID and Business “Kickoff Meeting” and formation of CBID/PBID Steering Committee at City Hall, 4:00 - 5:00pm.   
    • December 4, 2025 - Downtown Business listening session. VenturePad at 1020 B Street, San Rafael, 12:00 - 1:00pm.
  • 2025 – Send survey to businesses and properties within the CBID/PBID geographical area and review/analyze results
  • 2025 – If survey results demonstrate sufficient interest, adopt CBID/PBID enabling ordinance
  • 2025 – Draft Management Plan
  • 2025 – Balloting
  • 2025/2026 – Formation Process Finalized

Resource Documents

Contact information:

New City America – Marco Li Mandri marco@newcityamerica.com      www.downtownsanrafaelca.com

City of San Rafael – Stacey Laumann, Economic Development Program Manager  Stacey.laumann@cityofsanrafael.org     www.cityofsanrafael.org/GO

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