In 2012, with the loss of city redevelopment agencies statewide, the Downtown Business Association (DBA) started a community led effort to form a 501(c)(3) non-profit which could fill the void left by our local agency. As well, the DBA felt a strong need to continue the momentum started by the Bakersfield Redevelopment Agency, with successes such as the Mill Creek Linier Park and the restoration
of the Padre Hotel. With the formation of the DBDC the DBA has stayed their efforts on promoting downtown businesses through restaurant, shopping, business and medical guides. It also holds monthly workshops, quarterly business meetings, many membership support events, and works with Mayor Hall in ribbon cuttings for new businesses. DBDC’s efforts are centered on creating a “Safe, Secure and Welcoming “downtown. Some projects completed to date are attached in a,” Keep Bakersfield Beautiful (KBB)”, leaflet. Also find a list of some projects done in support of the DBDC’s Urban Downtown Development Plan. In 2014 we worked with the City to successfully pass an aggressive no panhandling ordinance. This year we’ve partnered with Kern County Mental Health, Bakersfield Police Department, and United Way to fund and build a Recovery Center (target date December 2016). DBDC along with, Bakersfield Homeless Center, Garden Pathways, The Mission at Kern County, and Keep Bakersfield Beautiful, has designed a pilot plan that will begin in 2016.The program is called,” Downtown Street Ambassadors” and will employ homeless men and women. Their job is to clean our streets, and engage those in need and provide them with information and resources to help.
