San Bernardino Business Improvement District

The San Bernardino Business Improvement District project focused on improving the viability of businesses located in a high-crime area in the city of San Bernardino, California. In addition to crime, this area was plagued with trash, graffiti, and other forms of urban blight that deterred customers from patronizing local businesses. To address this issue, project staff worked with local business owners and managers, helping them form the San Bernardino Business Association (SBBA).

The goal of the project was to transform the visual environment to make it more inviting for customers. With technical assistance from IPS, funding was secured from a local bank to support a beautification campaign. Subsequently, in partnership with student artists from Cal State San Bernardino, a mural was created along a busy intersection of the corridor. Placed strategically to welcome business patrons, the mural depicted Route 66 and other historical city landmarks.

SBBA members also successfully advocated for the establishment of a Business Improvement District along the Baseline Corridor. Funding was secured to develop a work plan for the project that focused on low-cost, high-impact interventions. The group also began work on a comprehensive general plan for the inner city aimed at fostering greater investment by business interests with increased employment opportunities for residents.