Member Portal

DOWNTOWN ALAMEDA

Updates for Downtown Businesses

We're committed to providing relevant information to help your business thrive in Downtown Alameda. We encourage you to explore this page and familiarize yourself with the resources, opportunities, and programs available.

If you operate a business within the Park Street Business Improvement Area (see map), we welcome you as a member of the Downtown Alameda Business Association.

The Commercial Streets Program has been extended for two more years. Details to be announced.

Art & Wine Faire

After a three year pause, the Art & Wine Faire is back! Enjoy the summer sun and island breeze at Alameda's biggest free street festival of the year! Downtown Members are able to reserve a 10x10 space in the Local Alameda Area on Central Avenue for $50.

SIGN UP HERE TO PARTICIPATE

Minimum Wage Increase

The City of Alameda’s minimum wage increases to $16.54/hour starting July 1, 2023. (It increases every July 1st thereafter, based on the increase in cost of living.) Employers must post the Official Minimum Wage Notice at each workplace or job site.

DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL NOTICE

Member News Updates

updated 4/23/23

Board & Committees

updated 1/23/23

Business Discussions & Webinars

updated 4/28/22

Things To Know

updated 5/16/22

Commercial Streets Program

updated 11/4/21

Resources: Open With Care

updated 3/15/22

Downtown Alameda Business Association

Mission & Purpose

The Downtown Alameda Business Association serves as a support network for the businesses located in Alameda's Park Street Business District. The Downtown Association's goal is to develop an economically prosperous business district through a united effort of its members.

Board & Committees

All meetings are held online. Contact the office for access.

Outreach Committee - Develops and maintains relationships with stakeholders and important entities including local businesses, property owners, City staff, and various government agencies.
First Tuesdays, 8:30am.

Clean,Green and Safe Committee - Plans and executes key programs that are vital to the Downtown Association including managing the L&L Assessment and operational functions for street maintenance, event execution, and volunteers. (formerly Operations Committee)
Second Tuesdays, 10:00am.

Marketing Committee - Develops the Downtown Association’s long-term marketing plan, creating a consistent brand and key messaging strategy to bring visitors to the downtown; plans and implements public events.
Third Mondays, 9:00am.

Board of Directors - Provides oversight and governance of the association, determines the annual budget, and represents the membership on issues that affect the District. Board members are elected by the membership.
Meets last Wednesday of the month, 8:30am.

2023 Board of Directors

Board Packets

2021/22 Annual BIA Report & Work Plan

2022/23 Annual BIA Report & Work Plan

Strategic Plan - 2020 Vision (Summary)

Strategic Plan - 2020 Vision (Presentation)

2021 Board Induction & Achievements/Goals

2021 Annual Meeting Presentation: Achievements & Goals

Downtown Re-Mix

Downtown business mixers provide an opportunity for our members to receive district updates, learn something new, and to network with fellow business owners and managers.

Mark your calendar... Downtown Mixers are held every other month.

Next Re-Mix:
Wednesday, June 21
5:30-7:00pm
Location TBA

Let us know if you're available to host a mixer by filling out this form!

Newsletters

Updates for downtown businesses are now being emailed weekly.

Not receiving our emails? Please contact the DABA office.

.....

Newsletter Archives:

2020 Archives

2019 Archives

2018 Archives

Workshops, Webinars, & Trainings

The Downtown Alameda Business Association in partnership with the City of Alameda, West Alameda Business Association, and Alameda Chamber hosts various workshops to benefit our local businesses:

Tuesday, October 11, 2:00pm - Business Town Hall Tuesday @ 2 (we will be discussing the Active Transportation Plan)

Click Here to submit a question or topic suggestion for an upcoming email update or business get-together.

The SBDC hosts online trainings at no cost to businesses. Learn from practical business trainings covering key topics from marketing basics, to e-commerce, to operating your business in a pandemic world. Browse the SBDC calendar

Additionally, the SBA provides a comprehensive suite of free resources to help small businesses expand their customer base, manage their growth, find and retain talent, and enter new markets. Browse the Digital Tool Library

Things To Know

If you are new to the downtown district, please make sure to review the information below and drop us a note so we can welcome you and help you take advantage of all of the benefits of being part of the downtown community.

The Downtown Alameda Business Association's staff are available to answer any questions you may have about our Downtown community -- send us an email, call, or schedule a meeting.

Welcome, Member!

Welcome to the Downtown Alameda Business Association! We are thrilled to have you and your business as a new member of our community.

As a retail, professional, or service business located within the designated Park Street Business Improvement Area (BIA), you are automatically a member of the Downtown Association with payment of BIA dues as set forth by the City ordinance. The BIA fee is paid in conjunction with your business license each year. (Members outside the BIA boundaries may join as an Associate Member.)

Member fees are vital to maintaining and decorating public areas in the downtown district, supporting committee efforts to create a desirable business climate, contributing to the operational costs of the Downtown Association, as well as promoting the downtown district to a wide audience.

While you become more familiar with the downtown district, we look forward to assisting you with the many member-focused opportunities provided by our association. We're also excited to help you engage with local customers by showcasing your business online and through other marketing channels.

We hope the information compiled on this page will be beneficial as you get your business up and running.

Sincerely,

The Downtown Alameda Business Association's Board of Directors and Staff

What Your Association Does For You

The Downtown Alameda Business Association is hard at work year-round with our members in mind. The goal of our organization is to help businesses thrive while improving our historic downtown and maintaining an economically prosperous district that is family-friendly, clean, green, and safe.

Here are some of the things we do for our Downtown Alameda businesses:

DISTRICT MAINTENANCE & SAFETY

Monitor street maintenance and trash collection ensuring service is provided as scheduled
Work with the City to install additional recycle/compost stations in the district
Maintain our Clean, Green & Safe Fund to provide resources for the beautification of our historic district
Work diligently with the Alameda Police Department to stay on top of any safety issues in our downtown district

ADVOCACY & MEMBER SUPPORT

Advocate on behalf of member businesses regarding municipal issues, ordinances, and new projects
Work with members to access grant funding opportunities as they become available
Communicate district news, activities, and business opportunities via association newsletters and online forums
Support in a variety of capacities through personal visits
Provide discounted monthly parking passes available for two Municipal Lots
Host complimentary member events including mixers, webinars, and workshops

ADVERTISING/MARKETING

Coordinate both both on- and off-island promotions to attract visitors to the downtown district
Publicize member events, promotions, and fundraisers through our online channels and local media contacts
Host networking opportunities to increase awareness of local businesses to other downtown business owners and managers

DOWNTOWN EVENTS

Create innovative events such as Downtown Strolls that bring thousands of visitors to the district
Coordinate effective district-wide seasonal marketing campaigns to drive traffic into your business
Activate areas in and around the district to bring local businesses to the forefront

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

Collaborate with community organizations to create a positive image of the downtown district and promote community-focused events.
Support local art programs including 2nd Friday ArtWalks
Our staff and Board members sit on multiple committees in the interest and betterment of downtown including: Coalition of Alameda Business Associations, City’s Economic Task Force, Facade Grant Committee, Government Relations & Economic Development Committee, Carnegie Restoration Project, Homeless Outreach Team, Climate Action Plan, and IntraCity Shuttle Project

Membership Categories

Promoting a healthy retail/service climate in our downtown district benefits the entire community. Membership fees are vital to maintaining and decorating public areas in the downtown district, supporting committee efforts to create a desirable business climate, contributing to the operational costs of the Downtown Association, as well as promoting the downtown district to a wide audience.

Retail, professional, and service businesses located within the designated Park Street Business Improvement Area (BIA) are automatically a General Member of the Downtown Alameda Business Association with payment of BIA dues as set forth by City ordinance.

Businesses located outside the BIA boundaries may become Associate Members with payment of annual dues. Our Associate Membership program allows businesses operating in other parts of Alameda to support our mission while taking advantage of member benefits and a variety of marketing opportunities.

View member benefits: www.DowntownAlameda.com/about/membership/

What's a BIA?

Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) are used extensively throughout California to promote a healthy retail/service climate as well as a district that is aesthetically pleasing and clean. Perhaps the biggest advantage to being in a Business Improvement Area is the knowledge that the welfare of the district is being actively pursued by both hired staff and civic-minded volunteers.

The Park Street Business Improvement Area (BIA) was formed in 1989 and codified in the Alameda Municipal Code (AMC), Section 6-7. Each year, the City Council re-confirms the Park Street BIA and sets the levy that becomes "dues" for businesses located within the designated improvement area. The Park Street BIA includes the "Theatre District" (Zone A) and the surrounding downtown business area (Zone B), including the newly added Park Street Landing. Annual fees vary depending on the type of business and its location.

Revenues from the BIA directly benefit businesses located in Downtown Alameda through the general promotion of business activities and public events, beautification and ambiance, construction and maintenance of parking facilities, and special projects benefiting the business area.

The Park Street BIA is managed by the Downtown Alameda Business Association (formerly known as the Park Street Business Association).

View background info for fiscal year 2021/2022 (boundaries map and address list, BIA fee schedule, Downtown Association work plan): City Council agenda item (May 4, 2021)

Additional information about the City of Alameda's Business Improvement Areas (BIA's) is available on the city website:
www.alamedaca.gov/Business/Business-Associations-Improvement-Areas

Businesses located in and around Park Street are encouraged to contact the Downtown Alameda Business Association for further details.

Doing Business in Alameda

Our online resources can help you to successfully operate a business in Alameda. Learn more about the following topics and access helpful links: www.DowntownAlameda.com/doing-business/

Topics include:

Starting a Business in Alameda

Business Improvement Grants

Permit Applications (new, remodel, signs, special events)

Alameda's Green Ordinances (recycling & composting, plastic bags, foodware, straws)

Smoking and Tobacco Ordinances

Temporary Sign Guidelines

ADA Compliance Resources

Minimum Wage Official Notice

Important Phone Numbers

Update Your Business Listing

Having your business listed on the Downtown Alameda website is a member benefit we provide to help you gain more exposure. Our website gets lots of traffic each month as thousands of visitors search for information on events, current news, and businesses located in the downtown district.

The online directory includes custom pages for each of our member businesses. Each business page includes business description, location info and map, link to your official website, and a business profile image. Additionally, to help visitors identify your type of business, businesses can be listed in one or two subcategories -- for example, maybe you offer Home Services and Design Services.

Take a moment to look for your business on our website: www.DowntownAlameda.com/Merchant-Directory

If you cannot find your business or would like to make changes to your business listing, please email office@downtownalameda.com.

Post an Event

The Downtown Association’s website includes a page for posting events happening in the district. Anybody can post events. There is no need to log in.

After an event is submitted, it is reviewed by an administrator to ensure the event takes place at a member business within the district. Approval can sometimes take up to 2 days so be sure to submit your event well in advance.

Submit your event here: www.DowntownAlameda.com/calendar/

(Look for the blue "Submit An Event" button.)

Ways To Get Involved

Your business and our district depend on how proactive business owners and managers like you are throughout the year. There is always a way for you to make a difference that can benefit you, your staff, your business, and our entire historic downtown district.

Join a committee

Sit on one of our four standing committees or join a subcommittee.

Become a block captain

Our block captains help to welcome new businesses and distribute important announcements within an assigned area.

Volunteer to help with district events

Assist in producing one of our exciting downtown events.

Attend monthly mixers

Our downtown business mixers are usually held on the third Wednesday of the month. Join the conversation at a mixer or other special meeting. Maybe even host a mixer.

Speak up at a City Council

Your opinion matters. We'll notify you when an important topic affecting downtown businesses is scheduled to be heard at City Council.

Write an article for our monthly newsletter

Share your business tips.

Promote the downtown district in your emails and on social media

Help us spread the word about how great it is to live, work, shop, dine, and do business in Downtown Alameda! Tag your social posts with #DowntownAlameda

Participate in an online discussion group

Join a private GOOGLE GROUP or FACEBOOK GROUP to communicate directly with other merchants in our downtown district!

Send alerts

Ask for advice

Recommend a service

Share good news

To join one or both groups, send a request to: office@downtownalameda.com

Report a Safety or Maintenance Issue

Maintenance & Safety Issues

SeeClickFix is a city tool for reporting maintenance and safety issues in Alameda. Get things fixed including illegal dumping and graffiti on public property, street lighting, potholes, and more.

Check to see if an issue has been reported and submit a new request: https://seeclickfix.com/web_portal/

Please Note: For your submission to be routed directly to the Public Works liaison for Downtown Alameda, select "Graffiti - Business Districts".

For urgent requests, call Public Works at 510-747-7900 during normal business hours (8am-5pm). Please expect some delays in response, especially for routine service as urgent requests are being prioritized.

Report a Crime

When a crime is happening or has occurred, please don't hesitate to file a report with APD. All reports can help the Alameda Police Department resolve a number of issues that affect our businesses.

To report suspicious activity that is not physically threatening or a crime that is not in process, call the Non-Emergency Number. Reports can also be submitted online. Never put yourself in harm's way -- if it's an active crime or if you feel threatened, call 9-1-1 immediately.

APD Non-Emergency Number: 510.337.8340
File an online report: www.alamedaca.gov/Police/File-an-Online-Report

APD utilizes the SPIDR Tech application, a messaging system that works with smartphones. Once a call is made, the platform enables APD to send real-time notifications to smartphone users with updates on police response.

Download and save these reference sheets:
Suspect & Vehicle Description Form
Description of Suspect Tip Sheet

Parking Enforcement & Citations

Alameda’s parking enforcement program aims to increase compliance with parking rules to ensure spaces are available for visitors, crosswalks and bike lanes are clear, accessible parking zones are reserved for people with disability placards, and more. Meters and time limits, when enforced, can open up parking spaces for visitors wanting to shop and dine in our district.

Parking Enforcement

An improved parking enforcement service is coming to Park Street beginning May 23, 2022. Parking enforcement is changing from the police department to public works. Please help make sure your employees and customers are aware of renewed enforcement. To avoid citation:

Always check signs, curb paint, and parking meters
Pay at the meter 9am-6pm Monday-Saturday
Don't overstay posted time limits
Never double-park, park in a red zone, or block a sidewalk or crosswalk
Avoid circling for parking (the Civic Center Parking Garage has the best parking!)

Report a Parking Problem

For parking violations that do not require towing, call (510) 747-7930. For issues requiring towing, like blocked driveways, call the Police Department directly at (510) 337-8340.

For ongoing issues that don’t call for immediate attention or towing, you can also write to pw@alamedaca.gov or submit a SeeClickFix report in the parking category.

Get more details: Reporting Parking Problems

Illegally Parked Vehicles
Abandoned Vehicles
Broken Meter
Faded Curb Paint
Problem with a Specific Parklet

Mental Health Response Team

The Alameda CARE Team (Community Assessment Response & Engagement) is led by the Alameda Fire Department and responds to calls involving nonviolent, noncriminal individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. Response coverage is 24-hours a day, 7-days a week.

If you see someone who may be in crisis, call 510-337-8340, the police non-emergency line, and ask for the CARE Team to respond.

If you are experiencing or witnessing an emergency, always call 911.

Homelessness Support

The City coordinates a CARES Team whose partnering organizations provide outreach and programs to support homeless individuals and families in Alameda. Team members are available to respond to homelessness situations and help provide individuals with immediate access to resources.

Alameda Homeless Hotline: 510-522-HOME (4663)
Available Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm.

For evening and weekends, call 2-1-1.

View City of Alameda homelessness programs and resources: www.alamedaca.gov/Homelessness-Initiatives-and-Efforts

Crime Prevention / Register Your Security Camera

Register Your Security Camera

Help protect your property and the community while assisting APD officers in crime resolution.

Upon registering your business security camera(s), your system's location will be added to APD’s database. Should a crime occur in or around your area, APD could request to view relevant surveillance footage your system may have captured.

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design

Alameda’s Police Department is looking to help downtown businesses in as many ways possible. APD's Crime Specialist can provide a complimentary CPTED analysis of your business to identify ways to discourage unsafe activity – lighting, visibility, technology, etc.

For more information, contact Michaelia Parker at mparker@alamedaca.gov or 510.337.8316.

Our Leadership

The Downtown Alameda Business Association’s Board of Directors, committees, and staff work year-round in collaboration with the City of Alameda, community organizations, association stakeholders, and all of you to focus on important issues and activities that keep our downtown vital, clean, green, and safe.

View the current Board of Directors roster and staff listing: www.DowntownAlameda.com/about/leadership/

Our Guiding Documents

The Park Street Business Association (dba Downtown Alameda Business Association) is a 501(c)6 organization. The association was first formed in 1981 by community leaders and downtown business owners. The association acts as the advisory board for the Park Street Business Improvement Area which was codified in 1989.

Work Plans:

Strategic Plan - 2020 Vision (Summary)

Strategic Plan - 2020 Vision (Presentation)

FY2020/2021 Budget

By-Laws:

Association By-Laws; revised 8/8/18

Policies:

Operating Reserve; adopted 1/30/19

Document Retention; adopted 1/30/19

Transparency; adopted 1/30/19

Procurement & Purchasing; adopted 2/27/19

Financial Reports

Join Us! Share Ideas! Learn from Others!

Town Hall: 2nd Tuesdays @ 2

Learn what's being done to support our local business community and get your questions answered. This MONTHLY online session is held in partnership with the City of Alameda and open to all Alameda businesses.

Get Link

Private Email Forum

Looking for advice or referrals? Do you want to alert downtown businesses of a happening? Communicate directly with other downtown business owners and managers with one email...

Request to Join

Private Facebook Group

Members are invited to join our PRIVATE discussion group. Communicate directly with other business owners and managers in our district... Share ideas, ask for advice, post alerts.

Request to Join

Commercial Streets Program

The Downtown Association has been working closely with City staff to develop and launch a multi-pronged Commercial Streets Program to support the health of our businesses and the community. The goal of the program is to make it easy to set up commercial activity on the sidewalks and streamlines the permit approval process for creating parklets (using parking spaces). The program also reconfigured a portion of Park Street to greatly increase the area available for pedestrian passage and commercial uses.

To help maintain safe conditions, the City has put together a comprehensive two-page "Safe Outdoor Commercial Activities" code compliance tip sheet.

On Tuesday, November 2, the City Council approved the continuance of the Commercial Streets Program for two more years including the Park Street reconfiguration, parklets, Alameda Avenue, enhanced parking management, and City-wide use permit for businesses to use outdoor space for commercial purposes. More details to be announced.

Summary of City staff's recommendations:

Park Street Reconfiguration. Maintain the existing striping on Park Street for at least the next two years.

Temporary Parklet Program. Revise the temporary parklet program to allow for semi-permanent parklets that meet a higher safety and aesthetic standard.

Parking Regulations. Return to parking regulations that were in effect before 2020, while also adding some short term parking, loading zones, and disabled parking in select areas.

Alameda Ave Al Fresco Dining. Maintain the half-block closure of Alameda Ave until the street is repaved (anticipated for 2023) or until the Downtown Alameda Business Association no longer wishes to manage the space, whichever occurs first.

Temporary Citywide Use Permit. Allow the existing citywide conditional use permit for outdoor dining and commercial activities in private parking lots to expire on November 1, 2021. Individual businesses that wish to continue to use their lots for commercial uses may apply for a site-specific permanent use permit.

The full recommendations can be found on the Commercial Streets web page:
www.alamedaca.gov/CommercialStreets

Park Street Realignment
Park Street between San Jose Ave and Lincoln Ave has been reduced to two lanes to slow down traffic and to greatly increase the outdoor area available for safe passage of people walking, shopping, and eating downtown. The former curbside parking spaces next to the curb can be used for outdoor dining, customer seating, and other commercial activities (see info on Parklets). The former outside traffic lane is strictly for pickup/dropoff with a maximum 15-minutes parking. This configuration is expected to be in place through October 2021, or longer if necessary.

Parklets
With a parklet, any business in the downtown district can convert the parking space(s) in front of or near your business into an area for outdoor dining, retail, or other allowable service. The City has streamlined the parklet permit process and it's free to apply. The Parklet Encroachment Permit Application, the Parklet Conditions, and the Parklet Design Guidelines can be found on the Commercial Streets web page. Additionally, we've put together an easy-to-use Parklet Application Checklist.

Commercial Use on Sidewalks
Businesses can set up outdoor dining, retail, and other allowable services on the sidewalks in front of their storefront-- no permits are needed. You'll need to follow the conditions outlined here, including maintaining a minimum 8-feet of clear sidewalk space along Park Street and a minimum 6-feet on the side streets. Additional information and detailed parameters can be found on the Commercial Streets web page.

Curbside Pickup
Businesses outside of the Park Street Realignment area can request to have existing on-street parking converted to curbside pick-up or short-term parking. Email transportation@alamedaca.gov with your name, business name and address, and parking meter number. The City will make requested changes, as feasible. (15-minute pick up zones have already been created in the Park Street Reconfiguration area.)

Private Parking Lots & Outdoor Spaces
Businesses can use their privately-owned outdoor space and parking lots for outdoor dining, retail, and other allowable commercial uses. ADA parking spaces and access needs to be maintained at all times. In most cases, plans and permit applications do not need to be submitted to the City -- although permits are required for canopies larger than 10x10. Additional information and detailed parameters can be found on the Commercial Streets web page.

Questions?
Details for utilizing outdoor spaces are available on the city's Commercial Streets web page. If you still have questions about activating any of these areas, please contact Kathy Weber at 510-523-1392 or email kathy@downtownalameda.com.

Open With Care

While most COVID-19 mandates have ended, businesses are still responsible for maintaining safe environments for employees and customers. Businesses may choose to require patrons and employees to wear masks but keep in mind that any requirements must be applied equally to all customers and workers. Request a complimentary "Face Mask Required" sign

In following California's Blueprint for a Safer Economy, businesses should take the following steps to reduce the risk of COVID-19:

1. Implement a Site-Specific Protection Plan (SPP - updated Oct. 1).
2. Train employees on how to do a self-assessment for symptoms and stay home if they have them.
3. Implement screening controls of employees upon arrival at the workplace.
4. Regularly clean and disinfect (EPA approved list of disinfectants)
5. Comply with all guidance issued by the State, County, and City. (Employers must comply with Cal/OSHA safety standards.)
6. Know how to report a confirmed or suspected COVID-19 case.

These key documents will guide you in developing a safe workplace.

Important Note: When guidance is provided by both the County and the State, the stricter rules apply.

Site-Specific Protection Plan

Alameda County Guidance

CA Guidelines & Checklists

CDC Reopening Guidelines

Assistance for Small Businesses
Local organizations are available to help equip you with tools and guide you through the economic difficulties posed by COVID-19:

EAST Bay Score offers business counseling services, including help with applying for a SBA Disaster Assistance Loan. All counseling sessions are conducted by telephone, video, or email. East Bay Score can be reached at 510-273-6611 or info@eastbayscore.org.
Alameda County SBDC provides one-on-one counseling for small businesses and has a wealth of information about resources and programs. Free online webinars are available featuring interviews with experts in capital resource, e-commerce, and more.

Additional Resources for Opening With Care:

Free COVID-19 Testing Sites
Steps for Controlling COVID in the Workplace (responding & reporting)
Masking Guidance for Businesses

Cal/OSHA Emergency Temporay Standards (ETS) FAQs

Recent & Notable Page Updates

4/23/23 added - Art & Wine Faire Information
4/23/23 updated - Link to latest Weekly Update for Businesses (News)
1/4/23 updated - 2023 Board of Directors (Committees)
1/4/23 updated - Downtown Re-Mix
10/10/22 added - Autumn Wine Stroll Information
7/13/22 updated - Link to latest Weekly Update for Businesses (News)
5/27/22 added - Save & Go Green Webinar (Meetings)
5/27/22 updated - Link to latest Weekly Update for Businesses (News)
5/16/22 added - Link to new Parking Enforcement service (dashboard buttons)
5/13/22 added - Parking Enforcement & Citations (Things To Know)
4/22/22 added - April Board Packet (Committees)