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Pleasanton council approves one-year PDA agreement, restores full downtown match for 2025
Summary
Council voted unanimously to approve a one-year agreement with the Pleasanton Downtown Association (PDA) for 2025 and to match downtown business improvement district (BID) assessments consistent with the historical city contribution.
Pleasanton — The City Council voted unanimously to approve a one-year agreement with the Pleasanton Downtown Association (PDA) for calendar year 2025 and to match the downtown Business Improvement District (BID) assessments using the city match level historically provided, restoring the downtown association—s funding to prior levels for one year.
Council members, staff and downtown property owners debated the short-term funding and the PDA—s capacity to deliver downtown programming with reduced staff. Council member Gaydos said she would "make the motion to match with the businesses that what we've done in the past," and Council member Eicher seconded the motion; the roll call vote was unanimous.
Why it matters: The PDA had reduced its operating budget in recent years and requested the city—s support to maintain events and business attraction activities. The 2025 BID assessments were estimated at about $80,000; with the city match, council action restores the combined funding level for 2025 and aims to give the PDA time to stabilize operations and complete a director recruitment.
Public comment: Business and property owners urged the council to restore downtown investment. Mike Madden, identified as a past PDA president, told council, "At some point, we've gotta make an investment in our downtown or we're gonna lose it." Property owner Bruce Sorkamata, who said he owns 11 buildings downtown, told the council, "I believe in the PDA. I believe 40,000 is a small amount to pay for what they deliver."
Council concerns and conditions: Several council members said they supported the funding but asked for stronger performance and leadership at the PDA. Speakers noted the PDA had trimmed staff and reduced some public street closures and events; the PDA reported plans for a recruitment for an executive director and proposed a budget consistent with two street closures for 2025 and coordination with the holiday event.
Council action: Council member Gaydos moved and Council member Eicher seconded a motion to approve a one-year agreement with the Pleasanton Downtown Association for 2025 and match BID assessments consistent with the historical practice; roll call vote recorded ayes from Council members Gaydos, Eicher, Nyberg, Testa and Mayor Balch and the motion passed unanimously.
