To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: ELIZABETH HAUSE, WATERFRONT AND COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR
TITLE
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ADOPT BY TITLE ONLY, RESOLUTION NO. CC-2611-094, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF REDONDO BEACH, CALIFORNIA, APPOINTING AN ADVISORY BOARD IN CONNECTION WITH THE RIVIERA VILLAGE BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT AND DIRECTING THE PREPARATION OF A REPORT FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2027
ADOPT BY TITLE ONLY, RESOLUTION NO. CC-2611-095, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF REDONDO BEACH, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE REPORT OF THE ADVISORY BOARD FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2026 IN CONNECTION WITH THE RIVIERA VILLAGE BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
ADOPT BY TITLE ONLY, RESOLUTION NO. CC-2611-096, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF REDONDO BEACH, CALIFORNIA, DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO LEVY AN ASSESSMENT AGAINST BUSINESSES WITHIN THE RIVIERA VILLAGE BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2027 AND SETTING A TIME AND PLACE FOR HEARING OBJECTIONS THERETO
APPROVE NOVEMBER 17, 2026 AT 6:00 PM AS THE DATE AND TIME FOR THE PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE LEVY OF THE PROPOSED ASSESSMENTS
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Riviera Village Business Improvement District (BID) was established by the City Council in 2003. The BID operates on a year-to-year basis with an annual expiration on December 31. In accordance with State law pertaining to business improvement districts, each year City Council must appoint a non-profit organization to serve as the Advisory Board to manage BID funds and implement improvements and programs. Historically, the City Council has appointed the Riviera Village Association to manage the BID. The Advisory Board appears annually before City Council to deliver a report that identifies improvements and activities proposed by the BID for the upcoming calendar year (2027) and highlights the accomplishments of the current calendar year (2026).
City Council is being asked to approve resolutions approving the attached 2026 report, re-appointing the Advisory Board for calendar year 2027, and directing the re-appointed Advisory Board to prepare a report for calendar year 2027. A third resolution must be considered to set a time and place for a public hearing to consider a levy of assessment on businesses within the BID for calendar year 2027. Staff recommends setting the public hearing to occur in the City Council chambers at a regular meeting of the City Council on November 17, 2026 at 6:00 PM. A presentation on the BID’s 2026 activities will also be provided as part of the November 17 Public Hearing.
BACKGROUND
The Riviera Village Association has historically been appointed by the City Council to serve as the BID’s Advisory Board. The Riviera Village Association has prepared its annual report for 2026, identifying improvements, activities, and associated costs proposed within the BID for upcoming calendar year 2027. The report also includes highlights and accomplishments to date for calendar year 2026. City Council action must be taken to consider two resolutions to approve the 2026 report, re-appoint the Riviera Village Association as the BIDs Advisory Board, and direct the Advisory Board to prepare a report for 2027.
The Advisory Board is also tasked with advising the City Council on the method and basis for the yearly levy of assessments against businesses to fund improvements and activities. BID funds are collected from businesses in the district by the City via the annual business license renewal process. Historically, the BID has distributed funds according to the following allocation: 50% for beautification, 40% for marketing, and 10% for administration. The Advisory Board does not recommend any changes to the existing assessment, which would remain as follows: each business license holder is assessed a base fee of $125 plus a fee of $34 per employee per year for a maximum assessment of $1,400. Those licensees who are property owner, are assessed on a per unit basis and pay a base fee of $125 plus $34 per rental unit per year for a maximum assessment of $1,400. As examples, a licensee with 10 employees would pay a total annual assessment of $465, and a licensee with no employees would pay a total annual assessment of $125. A licensed property owner with four rental units would pay an annual assessment of $261. The assessment is expected to bring in $106,000 in revenue for 2027. The levy of the assessment must be considered at a public hearing.
A third resolution is under City Council consideration to set the time and place of the public hearing to occur within City Council chambers at a regular meeting of the City Council on November 17, 2026 at 6:00 PM. A verbal presentation on the BID’s attached 2026 report will also be provided as part of the November 17 Public Hearing. Staff recommends City Council adopt all three resolutions approving the 2026 report, re-appointing the Riviera Village Association as Advisory Board, directing the Advisory Board to prepare a report for calendar year 2027, and setting a time and place for a public hearing to levy an assessment to participating businesses.
The following serves as a summary to the attached 2026 activities report:
CALENDAR YEAR 2026 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Parklet Program
The parklet program continues to be managed successfully by the Riviera Village Association in 2026. While Parklet utilization typically wanes in the cooler months, restaurants opt to remain in the program to take advantage of its summer and fall popularity. The 2023 parklet refurbishment continues to hold up well, providing a clean, cohesive look throughout the Village that has been well received by visitors. In 2026, the RVA initiated necessary repairs and touch-up painting to maintain the parklets. The program is authorized by City Resolution through May 19, 2031.
Beautification Funds
The BID funded the build and installation of six more sidewalk planter boxes with drought tolerant plants located on the east and west sides of South Catalina Avenue. The BID funded the design, production, and installation of lamppost banners to beautify the area. Holiday lighting and décor will be installed along South Catalina Avenue and within the triangle parking lot. The BID has elected three new board members to establish a beautification committee to evaluate art concepts. The BID continues to work closely with Public Works staff for permitting and safety purposes.
MARKETING/PROMOTIONAL FUNDS
In 2026, the RVA allocated funding for the production and promotion of a video highlighting Riviera Village businesses and encouraging residents and visitors to shop and dine locally. Filming is scheduled for fall 2026, with additional promotion planned through social media advertising.
In June 2026, the RVA’s Instagram account surpassed 20,000 followers. The RVA continues to utilize social media, email campaigns and its website to promote local businesses, community events and activities throughout Riviera Village. Since 2017, the RVA’s marketing has been managed by a paid local professional whose responsibilities include social media, email marketing, website content management, project management, and other content creation. This includes advertising to promote restaurants, retailers, service businesses, the farmer’s market, and large-scale community events.
SIGNATURE EVENTS
Halloween Trick or Treat & Holiday Stroll
The RVA continues to organize its annual Halloween Trick or Treat and Holiday Stroll events. The 2026 Halloween Trick or Treat is scheduled for October 31, 2026, with candy distribution from 3:00 PM. to 6:00 PM and street closures continuing until 8:00 PM to accommodate pedestrian activities and encourage visitation to local businesses.
The 2025 Holiday Stroll featured entertainment, holiday decorations, interactive activities and performances by the Redondo Union High School Marching Band. The RVA plans to continue these activities in 2027 and pursue additional sponsorships to help offset event costs.
Riviera Village Summer Festival
The Riviera Village Summer Festival was held during the final weekend of June 2026. The three-day event included an expanded vendor schedule, with vendor operations beginning on Friday. According to the RVA, the festival generated approximately $52,000 in revenue.
Merchant Mixers
The RVA hosts quarterly merchant mixers at various businesses throughout Riviera Village. These events provide opportunities for local business owners and employees to network, strengthen relationships, and engage with BID Board members and City staff.
Certified Farmers Market
The BID continues to support the Certified Farmers Market located in the Triangle Parking Lot on Sunday and features family friendly entertainment and live music. The Kids Zone continues in 2025 and provides a place for parents and kids to craft and play. The manager of the Farmers Market has curated a higher caliber and diverse vendor selection, focusing on organic farmers and a quality shopping experience, and the market continues to be a source of income for the BID.
ADMINISTRATIVE FUNDS
The coordinator of the BID Board was hired in January 2022. The coordinator is working well and helps maintain needed consistency. She is responsible for creating board meeting agendas, inviting outside guests to board meetings, notifying board members of meetings, assisting the board secretary with meeting minutes, organizing the annual report and other projects as needed. Board members continue in their additional volunteer positions managing specific village tasks and projects. Examples are: plant maintenance, lamp post banners/holiday decor, insurance, mixers, and events.
INSURANCE POLICIES
The BID’s City-mandated General Liability Insurance was renewed for the upcoming year, along with the policy covering Liability Insurance for the Officers and Directors. A Certificate of Insurance for Events (Outside Dining Parklets & Sidewalk Sale during COVID-19) is in place as well.
PROJECTS/GOALS ANTICIPATED FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2027
In 2027, the RVA anticipates continued coordination with the City on the proposed Riviera Village Pedestrian and Multi-Modal Enhancements Project. The project concept includes potential sidewalk improvements, parking reconfiguration, bicycle facilities, and designated areas for outdoor dining and retail activities. The RVA also plans to pursue beautification improvements along Avenida del Norte and evaluate potential traffic safety enhancements, including a proposed roundabout at South Catalina Avenue and Avenue I. The BID's current long-term goal is to continue vetting possible solutions to the short-term and long-term parking challenges within the Village.
COORDINATION
The Riviera Village BID renewal is coordinated by the Waterfront and Economic Development Department, with assistance from the City Manager’s Office, City Attorney’s Office, and the Financial Services Department.
FISCAL IMPACT
The BID enhances spaces in the public right-of-way and provides supplemental services in common areas of the Riviera Village that would otherwise fall to the City to maintain. BID assessments are restricted for use exclusively by the BID and must be reported to the City Council annually. It is anticipated that the BID’s annual efforts encourage activity and retail growth in the area and result in additional sales tax revenue for the City.
APPROVED BY:
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
• Reso - No. CC-2611-094 Appointing Advisory Board and Directing Report 2027
• Reso - No. CC-2611-095 Approving Advisory Board Report 2027
• Reso - No. CC-2611-096 Declaring Intent to Levy Assessment and Setting Public Hearing for November 17, 2026
• Report - Riviera Village Business Improvement District Annual Report 2026-2027