Tweedy Mile advisory board approves BID budget, asks council to consider $18,506 for public art

The Tweedy Mile Advisory Board approved a recommended business improvement district (BID) budget for fiscal year 2025–26 and asked the South Gate City Council to consider using the remaining $18,506.54 to fund public art projects along Tweedy Boulevard.

Leticia Aguilar, city staff, told the board the BID’s estimated beginning fund balance as of July 1, 2025, is $6,506.54, with projected revenue of $22,000, producing $28,506.54 available for the year. Aguilar said the board’s staff recommendation was to set aside $10,000 for Christmas decorations and allocate the remaining $18,506.54 to general retail promotion; no funding for public events was proposed at this time.

The request to consider art funding came from Mario Dominguez Jr., a South Gate resident, who proposed using part or all of the BID balance to pay for murals on building exteriors along Tweedy Boulevard. “Art is rare. Art is precious,” Dominguez said, urging the board to “let’s fund art.” He described contacting local business owners and said he would approach property owners about permitting murals on exterior walls.

Board members discussed the appearance of the district’s holiday lights and long-term downtown maintenance. Several public speakers and board members said the existing Christmas decorations appear dated and noted some past city funding for decorations. At least one board member suggested involving neighborhood youth in public-art projects.

A motion to adopt the staff report and include a note to the City Council asking it to consider using some or all of the $18,506.54 balance for artwork passed on a voice vote. Board member Lucero voted yes; Board member Gonzalez voted yes; Vice Chairperson Masashige voted yes. The motion was recorded as approved.

Aguilar outlined the calendar for the BID process if the board’s recommendation proceeds: on May 13 the City Council would adopt a resolution of intent to levy the assessment; on May 19 letters to businesses in the BID area would be mailed with resolution and hearing information; on May 27 the City Council would hold a public hearing on the assessment and proposed budget; and on June 10 the council would be scheduled to adopt the final BID report for the fiscal year.

The board also discussed outreach and promotion during the Tweedy Mile Complete Street project and asked staff to return with additional ideas for spending the $18,506.54, including potential outreach, business recruitment, or artwork proposals.