La Verne council approves Oldtown Business Improvement District annual report and sets levy protest hearing

The La Verne City Council voted unanimously on May 20 to approve the Oldtown La Verne Business Improvement District (BID) annual report and to adopt a resolution declaring the city's intent to levy an annual assessment for fiscal year 2024–25, with a public protest hearing scheduled for the council meeting on June 3.

Downtown director Shear briefed the council on the BID report, which reestablishes district boundaries, presents a proposed budget, and aligns the assessment formula with the Parking and Business Improvement Area Law (1989). Shear said staff and the city manager are exploring bringing in an outside consultant to assess district operations and the relationship with the Oldtown La Ver Business Association and to consider hiring part‑time association staff for events and marketing.

Craig Walters, chair of the district advisory board, told the council Oldtown has seen strong post‑pandemic activity, noting record attendance at events such as the Wine Walk (about 900 attendees this year) and other successful fundraisers. Walters described volunteer coordination, partnerships with nonprofit organizations and use of event proceeds to support a beneficiary charity (this year, the La Verne Rotary Club).

During the presentation the district recognized the Rotary Club and presented a $2,000 check as a donation to Rotary for community volunteer efforts. The council approved the annual report and the resolution to move the fee levy process forward; the action begins the statutorily required notification and protest period ahead of the scheduled June 3 hearing.

Next steps: The council's resolution initiates the formal levy notification and protest process; staff will return with the public hearing record and any protests at the June 3 meeting.