Bill > SB949

This bill establishes a new framework for cities and counties to create "community benefit districts" (CBDs), which are designated areas within a local agency that can fund and manage specific improvements and activities to benefit real property within that area. These activities can include promoting public events, enhancing neighborhood identity, marketing, and providing supplemental services like security and sanitation. Improvements can range from parking facilities and lighting to landscaping and pedestrian areas. The process for establishing a CBD involves a petition from property owners who will pay a significant portion of the proposed assessments, followed by a detailed plan outlining the proposed activities, improvements, financing, and management by a nonprofit corporation. After public hearings and a review process, the local legislative body, such as a city council, can establish the district through an ordinance, levying assessments on the properties within the district based on the estimated benefits they will receive. These assessments are intended to fund the improvements and activities for a period not exceeding 20 years, and the bill also outlines procedures for modifying or disestablishing a CBD.