NCJ Number
240112
Date Published
2012
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This Web-based article from the Office of Justice Programs discusses the results of two studies examining the impact of Business Improvements Districts in Los Angeles, CA.
Abstract
Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) are used by neighborhoods in Los Angeles, CA, to provide services, activities, and programs that promote local improvements and public safety. A BID is developed for a discrete geographical area and all property owners and merchants within the area are assessed a fee that is used to fund BID-determined services and activities. This article presents the results of two studies that evaluated the impact of BIDs. The first study found that areas with BIDs experienced reductions in serious and less serious crime, with overall crime rates falling by 6 percent to 10 percent. The second study found that the introduction of BIDs resulted in approximately 28 fewer total serious crimes per neighborhood representing an 11-percent relative decline in crime. In addition, the crime reductive effect was found to increase over time. The study also found that the introduction of BIDs in neighborhoods led to a decrease in the number of arrests, with the average BID neighborhood showing a 32-percent reduction in arrest rates. Study methodologies for both studies are discussed in the article. References