A business improvement district (BID) is a geographically defined area within a city where property and business owners agree to pay a self-imposed tax with the monies collected used to fund special projects. Typically, a BID will supplement services the city provides, including street cleaning, security, making capital improvements, construction of pedestrian and streetscape enhancements, marketing, and increasing economic development and livability. There are 38 property-based BIDs and five merchant-based BIDs currently operating in Los Angeles.

The The Hollywood Media District (HMD) encompasses 43 city blocks centered along Highland Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard. It stretches from La Brea Avenue to Vine Street and touches De Longpre and Melrose Avenues at its northern and southernmost points, respectively. The HMD is led by an up to 25-member board of directors who represent a cross-section of its merchants, property owners, cultural institutions, and nonprofit organizations. Currently, the HMD has an annual budget of approximately $1.2M. Funds are collected through the City of Los Angeles County Assessor’s Office with each stakeholder paying a proportional amount of that budget through their annual property taxes.

The BID offers enhanced services intended to augment—not replace—those already provided by the City of Los Angeles. These services include: Cleaning crews to maintain a neighborhood free from litter and graffiti. Public safety ambassadors who patrol the District on bikes and by foot for increased security. Marketing and promotional support for District businesses. Compassionate outreach to the unhoused and youth-at-risk communities. Investments in capital improvements such as signage, decorative lighting, and trash receptacles.