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Downtown advisory board outlines event promotions and business-support work
Summary
The Downtown Business Advisory Board described its PBIA history, current assessment structure and recent promotions — including a new downtown map, videos, and support for seasonal events — and invited volunteers to fill board vacancies.
The Downtown Business Advisory Board (DTBAB) presented to the Carpinteria City Council on Dec. 8, summarizing its role, structure and recent activities to promote downtown economic vitality.
City staff described the Parking Business Improvement Area (PBIA), established under state law to support downtown through assessments and event sponsorships. The board’s advisory role includes recommending assessments and expenditures; the district currently levies an assessment on 119 businesses at a stated rate of $126.45 per business and staff reported 33 vacancies within the district (figures staff said fluctuate).
Vice chair Christina Calkins reviewed recent promotional projects including seasonal holiday lights (installed with public works), a new electronic downtown map with QR access, promotional videos produced with Nimer Productions and event sponsorships such as Independence Day parade, holiday spirit parade, chalk walk and the culinary crawl. The board said it has a roughly $17,000 budget from assessment fees and noted openings for additional board members.
Councilmembers thanked DTBAB for its work and asked about membership and outreach; DTBAB encouraged interested residents and business owners to attend the first‑Thursday monthly meetings.
