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ABOUT DLBA

Our mission is to cultivate, preserve and promote a healthy, safe and prosperous Downtown for all.

The Downtown Long Beach Alliance (DLBA) is a 501 (c) (6) non-profit organization operating on behalf of the tenants and commercial and residential property owners in Long Beach’s Downtown and surrounding areas. It is dedicated to the management, marketing, security, maintenance, advocacy, economic and community development of its two assessment districts in cooperation with the City of Long Beach and the private sector.
DLBA's Roadmap to Recovery, Resilience, and Inclusion
Roadmap Summary
Organizational Equity Commitment Statement

The Voice of Downtown Since 1937

1937

The Downtown Long Beach Associates is founded by a group of Pine Avenue merchants, including Harry Buffum, the founder of Buffum’s Department Store, who decided to launch a cooperative print advertising campaign in the local newspapers.

1957

DLBA officially becomes incorporated.

1973

Long Beach City Council empowers the DLBA to manage the Downtown Parking Improvement Area (DPIA).

1998

DLBA is named to manage the funding and programs associated with the newly established Property Based Improvement District (PBID).

2003

Long Beach City Council votes unanimously (9-0) to ratify the renewal of the Downtown PBID.

2004

DLBA begins operating within the expanded district boundaries and service for 10 years.

2008

DLBA adopts strategic planning document DLBA 2010: A Focus for Leadership and Development.
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2010

DLBA adopts updated strategic planning document.
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2010

DLBA passes PBID Management Plan.
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2013

DLBA adopts updated strategic planning document.
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2016

DLBA rebrands itself to better reflect community ties, with name change to Downtown Long Beach Alliance. DLBA adopts update strategic planning document: Vision 2020.
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Our Departments

Charged with managing Downtown Long Beach’s business improvement districts, the DLBA is a non-profit organization committed to improving and promoting Downtown Long Beach through a wide range of programs and services that include advocacy, capital improvements, beautification projects, economic development, clean and safe, special events, marketing and communications.
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View Resources >

FAQ’s

What is the Downtown Long Beach Alliance (DLBA)?
The DLBA is a private non-profit organization operating on behalf of the tenants and property owners of Downtown Long Beach’s two Business Improvement Districts (BID). It is dedicated to the management, marketing, security, maintenance, advocacy, economic and community development of the assessment districts in cooperation with the City of Long Beach and the private sector.
What is a BID?
BIDs are self-assessment areas established and managed by business, residential, and commercial property owners to provide enhanced services above and beyond what the City of Long Beach provides. The first Downtown Long Beach BID, the Downtown Parking Improvement Area (DPIA), was established in 1973 by business owners. The second Downtown Long Beach BID, the Property Based Improvement District (PBID), was established by commercial property owners in 1998. Both of these BIDs are legally established by State of California legislation and approved by the Long Beach City Council.
Who manages the DLBA?
DLBA is a true public-private partnership governed by a Board of Directors, representing business, residential, and commercial property owners including the City of Long Beach. DLBA’s full-time management team includes professionals overseeing the Downtown’s marketing, economic development, clean and safe, advocacy and administration programs.
How do I become a member of the DLBA?

DLBA is not a membership based organization. You are a stakeholder of either or both BIDs by virtue of the location of your business, residential, or commercial property. Please see the maps illustrating those boundaries: PBID and DPIA.
DPIA Boundaries Map for your business >
PBID Boundaries Map for property owners >

How are the annual fees calculated? What is the amount?

For businesses located with the DPIA Boundaries, a flat rate and a per employee fee is calculated annually and added to your business license. The current annual assessment is $476.07 per business and $8.00 per employee, and for Independent Contractors $326.96 per business and $5.53 per employee.

For property owners located within the PBID Boundaries, the fees are calculated based on factors such as square footage of the property and building, along with amount of services rendered to the area the property is located. Parking structures, residential properties and properties owned and used for non-profit purposes pay an adjusted and reduced rate. Estimated annual maximum assessment rates are:

Actual Rates 2021 – 2022
Frontage Standard Zone: $12.4967164339
Frontage Premium Zone: $20.1858204885

Lot + Building (Com/Gov) Standard Zone: $0.0545428359
Lot + Building (Com/Gov) Premium Zone: $0.0599166142

Lot + Building (Parking) Standard Zone: $0.0356635357
Lot + Building (Parking) Premium Zone: $0.0410373140

Lot + Building (Non-Profit/Residential) Standard Zone: $0.0167842355
Lot + Building (Non-Profit/Residential) Premium Zone: $0.0221580139

*Please note that new PBID services go into effect on January 1, 2022, and will be reflective in property owner tax bills.

What do the fees go toward?
On behalf of the business and property owners that are vested in the two Downtown BIDs, the DLBA strives to create and maintain a Downtown that is vibrant, pedestrian-friendly, clean, safe and entertaining. This vision of Downtown is made possible through the following programs:

Community Advocacy
By building consensus, the DLBA best gains the voice of the majority and acts as an advocate on behalf of its Downtown stakeholders while serving as an ombudsman and liaison between the business community and City Hall. This program is supported by contributions from both BIDs (DPIA and PBID).

Downtown Clean Team
The Clean Team members begin their work early each morning to ensure that the central business district remains attractive and clean. Radio-equipped personnel remove graffiti, sweep litter and eliminate weeds from sidewalks and gutters. In addition, Clean Team members assist as goodwill ambassadors by giving directions and answering questions. This program is funded by the property owner (PBID).

Safety Ambassadors
Safety Ambassadors support the Long Beach Police Department, property owners and tenants in overall crime prevention and reduction in neighborhood street disorders. Highly trained and distinctly uniformed, Safety Ambassadors patrol the central business district 12-18 hours a day on bike and on foot helping to deter challenging quality of life issues, offering an enhanced sense of security, and serving as goodwill ambassadors. This program is funded by the property owner (PBID).

Marketing & Communications
The DLBA’s Marketing Department serves as the voice for all the wide-ranging programs and activities taking place within Downtown. The department is responsible for increasing the awareness of and enhancing the image of Downtown, which is achieved through year-round advertising, public relations, and promotional campaigns. This program is supported by contributions from both BIDs (DPIA and PBID). With its grid-like design and friendly pedestrian walkway, Downtown Long Beach is an idyllic setting for public gatherings and events. The DLBA continues its efforts to enhance Downtown as a venue for special events by encouraging the expression of diversity, as well as showcasing the unique character of its many neighborhoods by advocating, producing and sponsoring a host of special events. This program is supported by contributions from both BIDs (DPIA and PBID).

Economic Development
The programs of the Economic Development Department are a crucial component of the DLBA’s strategic mission. The department assiduously works to continue its efforts at recruiting and retaining office and retail businesses to the Downtown core. Also, it proactively assists developers and investors who have expressed an interest in Downtown as a location for their future projects. This program is supported by contributions from both BIDs (DPIA and PBID).

Public Realm
The DLBA strives to perpetuate the economic vibrancy of DTLB through investments in the public realm. Working with the Public Realm Committee, stakeholders, and community partners, the DLBA actively engages in placemaking projects both small and large, from flower pots to new public gathering spaces such as The Loop at Pine + Ocean.

When does the DLBA Board of Directors meet?
The DLBA Board of Directors meet every even month (i.e., every other month) on the third Wednesday at 8:00 a.m. Throughout the year, the DLBA also hosts stakeholder mixers and other meetings to discuss community issues or events
Can the public attend these meetings?
Yes! The DLBA welcomes the community to attend Board of Directors meetings. In compliance with the State of California ‘s Brown Act, DLBA meetings are open to the public. Agendas are posted on our website, at the DLBA office, and at City Hall. Each meeting also allows time for members of the public to address the Board on non-agenda items.
How can I get involved?
We welcome your interest in the DLBA and look forward to introducing ourselves to you at one of the many community events or meetings throughout the year. Please contact us at 562-436-4259 for more information.

Explore ways to get Get Involved >

Signature Events

With the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean and the outline of the Downtown skyline, Downtown Long Beach is the perfect venue for great events.

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