What is the Westwood Village Improvement Assoication?

What is the Westwood Business Improvement District, or BID, as it is sometimes called? In technical terms, the Westwood BID is an area, defined by specific boundaries, in which owners pay an additional property tax to fund special benefits to the properties and businesses located within the boundaries. The Westwood BID’s boundaries extend from the south side of Wilshire Blvd to the south side of Le Conte Ave, and from Hilgard Avenue to Gayley Avenue. The Westwood BID is governed by the non-profit Westwood Village Improvement Association (WVIA), and our mission is to make Westwood the best possible place to live, work, and play.

So... Why are Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) Important?

Due to economic realities, cities are no longer able to deliver on standards of cleanliness and security. BIDs have picked up the slack. It is proven that BIDs reduce crime, increase property values, and help drive retail sales in districts. Plus, BIDs provide a mechanism for property owners and merchants to work collaboratively for their mutual benefit. There are 38 BIDs in Los Angeles, over 80 in California, and more than a thousand in the United States and abroad.

Los Angeles BIDs contribute millions of dollars of services each year. The WVIA, and organizations like ours, pick up tons of trash and debris every year, pressure wash miles of sidewalk, trim thousands of trees, complete acres of landscaping, work to house the  homeless, maintain public infrastructure, and many more projects that make thriving communities.

BIDs are funded through the Property Based Assessment District, meaning each retail business in the boundaries of the BID pays an assessment. Assessments on property are calculated based on the square footage the lot, building, and linear frontage. In Westwood, the assessments collected fund services that average over $3,500 spent every day on cleaning services, safety services, hospitality services, communications, public relations, advocacy, city liaison, and many other crucial services and District oversight that would not otherwise exist.

Can you tell how Westwood Village has improved since our inception in 2011? Please let us know how we are doing! We strive for perfection and want to make the Village enjoyable for everyone, merchants, business owners, visitors and locals alike. We couldn't do it without your continuing support.

Please visit our website, www.TheWestwoodVillage.com, for more detailed information about us and download a copy of the Management District Plan or read more about the benefits of Business Improvement Districts.