San Jose Downtown Association (SJDA)
About
SJDA is a non-profit, membership-based organization founded in 1986 to represent business and property owners. We make downtown a better place for business, residents and visitors through events, advocacy, marketing and more.
The best way to get involved is to come to a meeting. Our various committees our summarized below and meet regularly.
Committees
Want to get involved? Email the contact of the committee below you are interested in joining.
Executive Committee
The Chair of the Board of Directors chairs this 13-member committee. The immediate past chair is an ex-officio member. This committee manages the activities and affairs of the association and exercises all powers granted to the Board by the Articles of Incorporation and the Bylaws. Makes policy, advocacy and program recommendations to the Board of Directors.
Chair: Emily Ruvalcaba
Next Meeting: Feb. 6, 8:30 a.m., SJDA Business Support Center, 16 N 3rd St.
SJDA Board of Directors
The San Jose Downtown Association represents more than 2,100 businesses, non-profits and property owners who work collaboratively to enhance the Downtown experience. We make downtown a better place.
Click here to meet our Board
Chair: Emily Ruvalcaba
Next Meeting: March 13, 8:30 a.m., SJDA Business Support Center, 16 N 3rd St.
Downtown Design Committee
Consists of architects, designers, and urbanists advocating for design excellence in the downtown core using. The committee honors outstanding projects with Golden Nail awards.
Chair: Brian Corbett
Contact: Nate LeBlanc
Past Meeting: The committee last met Oct. 14, 2022, and observed a presentation on potential future developments at San Jose State University.
Next meeting: TBD, via Zoom Conference Call
Marketing
Provides oversight and makes recommendations on SJDA’s long-term and short-term goals involving branding, marketing efforts, and promotions. Ensures that a consistent, positive message is being delivered to the public about Downtown San Jose and SJDA. Meets as needed.
Chair: Alan “Gumby” Marquez
Contact: Robert Robledo
Past Meeting: The Marketing Committee oversees and adds value to current and future marketing activities, aligned with the SJDA Strategic Plan. Marketing professionals are urged to join this committee to lend your talents to providing strategic direction to the next project. We will be discussing all upcoming marketing projects in the new OED contract.
Next Meeting: TBD
SoFAC (South First Area Committee)
This committee deals with neighborhood issues, markets events and more.
Chair: Kevin Wick and Dap Ashaolu
Contact: Brenda Zendejas
Past Meeting: The committee was updated on SJDA’s Shop Small Campaign, which will offer prizes, including a “stay-cation” package, to participants. Groundwerx and the Social Impact Team introduced their services, with committee members expressing appreciation for their efforts. Groundwerx will repaint downtown historical sidewalk signs, adding QR codes linking to a digital history map on the SJDA website. Leonella (Nelly) Torres presented a guide for event organizers on selecting event times, managing street closures, and notifying stakeholders. Regarding Botown & Westbank, the committee discussed the upcoming demolition of the old Botown building by Westbank and potential post-demolition uses, such as artwork to deter graffiti. Clarification on graffiti fines and removal responsibilities will be addressed in future meetings. Finally, the Department of Transportation presented an ongoing Curb Management Pilot Study, focusing on downtown curb use, including parking, buses, bike lanes, and pedestrian access. Data is being collected via street cameras, and Steve Cohen requested a follow-up meeting on bike lane issues.
Next Meeting: TBD
St. James Park Advisory Committee
This committee deals with issues related to the park and activities in it. It also working with others on redesigning the park.
Contact: Lou Jimenez
Past Meeting: The committee meeting focused on key updates and initiatives for St. James Park. The Capital Improvement team provided a progress update, including developments on the Levitt project. Operations & Maintenance reported on ongoing work and current conditions in the park. The Activation Team shared updates on placemaking efforts and upcoming events. A discussion on park safety and feeding issues included input from various city departments and stakeholders, outlining an engagement strategy to address downtown challenges.
Next Meeting: Feb. 21, 9 a.m., via Google Meet.
Advocacy Committee
Represents downtown business and property owner to government and elected officials. Develops recommendations on policies impacting downtown. Supports other committees including parking and BART. Sets SJDA’s positions on specific issues including housing, retail, crime, cleanliness and shuttles. Meets as needed.
Contact: Alex Stettinski
Past Meeting: The Advocacy Committee met on Jan. 24 and discussed the following issues : Art and the need for it to be supported by the City; 2026 Arts, Sports and Destination Planning; D3 Candidate Forum questions to be posed by Alex and Leah; future 2025 meeting dates.
Chair: Chris Shay
Co-Chair: Anjee Helstrup-Alvarez
Next Meeting: Feb. 21, 9 a.m., via Zoom Conference Call
Downtown Commercial Properties
Informational meetings for owners and managers of large downtown commercial properties. Meets on an ad hoc basis.
Contact: Chris Kendrix
Past Meeting: The DCP Committee met on January 27 to review the results of the workshop exercise we conducted in October. During that meeting, it was requested to bring information regarding the permitting processes for tenant improvements in property spaces. Nate Leblanc from SJDA and Lisa Joiner from CSJ presented information and tips on obtaining permits. Kendrix reviewed new initiatives that the Groundwerx program is working on with SJPD regarding graffiti enforcement. The next meeting will focus on unhoused issues and vibrancy projects that SJDA is working on in the downtown area.
Next Meeting: April 28, 10 a.m., 99 S Almaden Blvd suite 150, San Jose, CA 95110
Social Impact Committee
The Social Impact Committee’s goals are to use advocacy, education and partnerships to mitigate the impact of homelessness for Downtown business and property owners, residents, visitors and unhoused individuals.
The impacts of homelessness include the overall health and well-being of all San Jose residents, a lack of adequate shelter and services, the overall cleanliness of public and private spaces, and the perception of safety in downtown.
Contact: Chris Kendrix
Past Meeting: The Social Impact Committee met on Jan. 10 to review updates and metrics. Chris Kendrix shared staffing updates on the SIT program, reporting that Emily Ferry resigned over the holidays. SJDA and Block by Block have hired Debra Rossi, who was the manager prior to Emily. We reported on the successes of the Holiday Donation Drive, which the committee worked on over the past few months. We were able to donate essential items to PATH, a local outreach organization providing assistance to the unhoused at their transitional housing units in the downtown area. Janice Bonello presented information about the Downtown Youth Wellness Center (DYWC) located at Santa Clara and 16th Street. Chris Kendrix reviewed metrics from the 2024 calendar year, highlighting the effectiveness of the Social Impact Team. The committee concluded the meeting with a brainstorming session to create goals for 2025.
Next Meeting: March 14, 9 a.m., SJDA Business Support Center, 16 N. 3rd St.
PBID Board of Directors
The directors oversee management and finances of the property-based improvement district. It’s meeting notices, minutes and agendas are on the PBID pages of this website.
Board President: Chris Freise
Contact: Dennis Yu
Past Meeting: On Jan. 28 the PBID Board of Directors met to discuss the progress of SJDA’s BART advocacy, the outcome of the board retreat, invitations to the District 3 Candidate Forum, and updates to the Santa Clara Corridor Project. The board discussed new projects to take on for the Santa Clara corridor, and debriefed on the success of the Western Dental Building revitalization.
Next Meeting: Mar. 18, 8:30 a.m., SJDA Business Support Center, 16 N 3rd St.
Town Hall Meeting
Learn more about SJDA and PBID activities in the downtown area in a Town Hall setting. Each quarterly meeting focuses on a different topic.
Contact: Robert Robledo
Past Meeting: Join us for an engaging discussion on how integrating arts and sports can enhance the vibrancy of downtown San Jose. Hear insights from distinguished panelists and contribute to the community conversation. Don’t miss this chance to be a part of shaping our downtown’s future! Please see link here to view the invite.
Next Meeting: TBD
San Pedro Square Committee
This committee works on marketing, events, safety and other issues in the San Pedro Square neighborhood.
Co- Chair: David Mulvehill and Randy Musterer
Contact: Julie Carlson
Past Meeting: The committee meets quarterly and last met on Nov. 13. Updates were given on Reimagining the Civic Commons, the City’s curb management pilot program and Holiday San Jose campaign, and SJDA’s Shop Small Downtown promotion. Information about opportunities to participate in Visit San Jose’s Show Your Badge program and special offers for SJSU and Notre Dame students was shared. Moveable presented San Pedro Saturdays, a new monthly activation on San Pedro Street. The second activation, Move & Groove Day, was supposed to take place on Feb. 1 but due to rain will be rescheduled.
Next Meeting: Feb. 11, 3 p.m. (location TBD)
Board Organizational Committee
The Board Organizational Committee looks at all aspects of Board relations, certain organizational process improvements, Board of Directors election process, recruitment and membership for the Board, and enhancing camaraderie for Board and staff.
Marques would like the Committee to also focus on research, such as reviewing the bylaw; writing a CEO job description; creating a recruitment matrix for the Boards (SJDA, Foundation, PBID).
The Committee can be comprised of two co-chairs, and a minimum of 3 at large members.
Contact: Alex Stettinski
Past Meeting: The Board Organizational Committee met on Jan. 30 to review committee purpose and 2025 SJDA Board materials. A follow-up meeting will be held to continue review of materials, orientation, and objectives of recruitment and engagement.
Next Meeting: TBD
Downtown Parking Board
This public-private entity discusses downtown parking issues and budgets.
Chair: Dave Heindel
Vice Chair: Tamiko Rast
Contact: Alex Stettinski
Past Meeting: The Sept. 4 Downtown Parking Board meeting was canceled due to lack of quorum. Elizabeth Chien-Hale will report on behalf of SJDA.
Next Meeting: TBD
Historic District
Deals with concerns regarding events, construction, safety and marketing of this downtown neighborhood.
Chair: Eric Nielsen & Blair Carson
Contact: Chris Kendrix
Past Meeting: The HDC Committee convened on Dec. 10. The meeting commenced with a presentation by the City of San Jose DOT, who provided an in-depth overview of their Curb Management Pilot Project. This project aims to improve curbside efficiency and accessibility through innovative management strategies. Following this, SITELAB presented their comprehensive process for the design plan of Santa Clara Street. They have been selected by the City of San Jose DOT to reimagine the Santa Clara Corridor, a significant project focused on enhancing the urban landscape and promoting a vibrant community space. The committee then reviewed and approved the new design of the Historic District Map, which accurately represents the updated boundaries of the district, and ensuring clarity. Updates on the Post St. closure were also discussed, highlighting recent progress and addressing any concerns related to the closure’s impact on local traffic and businesses. Lastly, the committee outlined goals and tasks for the next meeting. These include obtaining detailed information on the process of securing permits for outdoor events, which will be crucial for planning and executing future community activities.
Next Meeting: Feb. 11, 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., 55 South, 55 S First Street
San Jose Downtown Foundation
The foundation hosts, organizes and fundraises for Downtown Doors and other art projects downtown. Visit the Foundation page on this website to learn more.
Contact: Lou Jimenez
Past Meeting: The San Jose Downtown Foundation (SJDF) held its regular board meeting on January 14, 2025, via Google Meet. With a quorum confirmed, the meeting proceeded with discussions on unfinished business, including sponsorship outreach, fundraising opportunities, and welfare expectations. Updates were provided in coordination with the San Jose Museum of Art (SJMA) for a reception in May and outreach efforts to cultural organizations. New business covered financial matters, such as an Adobe grant allocation, and engagement strategies for SJDA board participation.
Next Meeting: Feb. 11, 12 p.m, via Google Meet
Finance Committee
Reviews and approves the SJDA budget.
Chair: Garrett Perez
Contact: Marie New (Noble Accounting)
Past Meeting: On Jan 6., the Finance Committee reviewed the November 2024 financial statement packages. A budget re-forecast is expected at the Feb. Finance Committee meeting.
Next Meeting: Feb 4., 8:30 a.m., via Zoom Conference Call