The formation of an entity to decide how Business Improvement District (BID) assessments are allocated in La Jolla took shape last Thursday, Dec. 2. About 40 local merchants and planners attended a forum in which they organized five task-specific groups — identity, budget, by-laws, elections and incorporation/tax-exempt filings. The BID fund is about $170,000-strong and comes from individual assessments of $45 to $350, depending on business location, purpose and size. Attendees heard a short presentation by Mike McLaughlin, who was put in place by the San Diego Business Improvement Foundation to help with and promote organization of what he calls a “new not-for-profit business betterment corporation.” Participants broke up into groups according to their interests and availability. McLaughlin spent time with each group listening and answering questions along with Patrick Edwards, who oversaw the formation of a BID group in North Park. Several members of the La Jolla Community Planning Association attended but did not participate in the groups because they are not part of the taxation district. More attendees expressed an interested in participating in the budget group than any other group, which will be responsible for creating a conceptual budget that will assign dollar amounts to categories such as beautification, personnel, special events and promotions. The “identity” group brainstormed a name and mission statement for the new group, and the “by-laws” group discussed issues such as membership, officer elections, the audit process and officer terms. Each of the working groups set times that they would continue to meet within the next few months, and they are still seeking additional involvement from local merchants. To find out how to get involved, contact Mike McLaughlin at [email protected] or (619) 295-5171.