In 1984, the City Council of Pleasanton created the Pleasanton Downtown Association (PDA) with the goal of developing and promoting a vibrant downtown community. The PDA functions as a nonprofit organization with funding provided by member assessments, matching city funds, sponsorships, and revenue-producing events.

"The mission of the PDA is to promote the economic vitality and hometown character of downtown Pleasanton," says Executive Director Tiffany Cadrette. "The PDA is a strong community of dedicated individuals and business owners who, by cooperative efforts, community events, and activities, work to make the downtown a richly rewarding place to visit and shop."

This historic district of business and residential properties is located in a relatively small geographic area in the southeast corner of the City of Pleasanton. The boundaries of the downtown area are Peters Avenue on the West, First Street on the East, Bernal Avenue on the South, and the Arroyo del Valle on the North. "Downtown Pleasanton is home to over 600 businesses," notes Cadrette. "People are often surprised by how many businesses make up our downtown."

During these unprecedented times, the PDA has shifted gears. Since the state Shelter in Place mandate has taken effect, the PDA has actively worked to encourage community members to support downtown in a safe manner. Through consistent social media posting, mass email, and Downtown Bingo, the PDA engages the community daily and drives home the importance of small businesses to the local economy, according to Cadrette. "Our social media channels are the best way for the community to stay up to date on all downtown matters," she says.

In 2000, Pleasanton joined the ranks of certified California Main Street Communities, a designation bestowed by the California State Trade and Commerce Agency under the auspices of the National Main Street Center. As a nationally accredited Main Street Community, the PDA is organized under a four-point strategy that incorporates the elements of organization, economic restructuring, promotion, and design or physical appearance. Successful implementation of this strategy involves a mutual effort by the PDA staff, business owners, property owners, and community volunteers.

PDA events draw tens of thousands of community members to downtown annually. The PDA is eager to hold its popular events once again after restrictions are lifted. In the meantime, Farmers' Markets are deemed essential; the downtown Pleasanton market is held weekly on Saturdays at West Angela and Main from 9 am to 1 pm. Hacienda businesses that want to get in on the fun are invited to host a booth at the Farmers' Market or become a sponsor of future events and activities. Typical events range from scavenger hunts for kids to crawls and strolls for adults to concerts in the park for all ages.

"To walk through downtown Pleasanton is to take a walk back in time, past historic buildings that each has its own riveting story to tell," says Cadrette. "Our community keeps our local businesses thriving and vice versa. It is our mission to help support our downtown businesses, and we encourage you to help in whatever way, big or small, that you are able."

For more information about the Pleasanton Downtown Association, please visit www.pleasantondowntown.net, Facebook at www.facebook.com/PleasantonDowntownAssociation, Instagram at www.instagram.com/explore/locations/289010675/pleasanton-downtown-association, or see its Twitter feed, @PleasantonDT.