The process to establish the NOTO BID started in the summer of 2021 when Tom Underwood, Executive Director of the NOTO Arts & Entertainment, approached the governing body to establish a committee to issue a report that would consider establishing a business improvement district pursuant to state law.  On February 8, 2022, the committee issued its report recommending establishment of a BID, identifying the boundaries and describing the assessment of service fees on the businesses within the proposed district.

The next step in the process was to notify those businesses and hold a public hearing to consider public comment.  The hearing was held on March 15.   

The final step is to establish the district and impose service fees.

After the ordinance is published, if a majority of the business owners submit a petition opposing the BID,  state law requires that the district  be dissolved.