The City Heights Business Improvement District was established on August 3, 1987. The business district runs down University Avenue from 33rd Street to 48th Street. The district also includes any businesses on the side streets ranging from the 3800 block to the 4099 block. There are currently over 450 active businesses in the district. The City Heights Business Association manages the City Heights Business Improvement District under contract with the City of San Diego.

There are over 400 business improvement districts (BIDS) in the United States, over 70 in California, and 17 within the City of San Diego. BIDS are essentially a legally authorized way for businesses and property owners to raise funds in order to provide services for their specific area. They raise funds by approving an assessment on their businesses and or properties. These funds can only be used for services in the BID where the funds were raised. The funds are collected through yearly business tax bills or business license fees. The goal of BID is to improve and enhance the district by providing a variety of services ranging from sidewalk sweeping to the sponsoring of special events.

On July 27th, 2004, the San Diego City Council approved the creation of the City Heights Maintenance Assessment District. The district covers University Avenue from Interstate 805 to 50th street and includes segments of 37th Street, Central Avenue, 43rd Street, and Fairmount Avenue. The purpose of the City Heights Maintenance Assessment District is to provide enhanced maintenance services in addition to what the City of San Diego is already providing. The services include graffiti removal, sidewalk sweeping, tree maintenance, and security. The City Heights Business Association manages the City Heights Maintenance Assessment District under contract with the City of San Diego.