What is Arcata Main Street?
Arcata Main Street was formed in 1987 by a grass roots effort of local merchants to stimulate economic conditions in the core downtown, provide and foster community building events and civic beautification projects. Arcata was selected by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as one of 5 demonstration cities and awarded 3 years of technical assistance designed to promote the stabilization and growth of our existing downtown. Modeling our program after the four-point approach outlined by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Arcata Main Street uses this method to organize our work programs through the committees - Organization, Design, Economic Restructuring and Promotions to meet our mission of developing and supporting a clean, safe and vibrant downtown. Arcata Main Street fosters and encourages support of our local economy as a means to retaining our identity and building a strong community.
Service Area
We serve the core central business district from Samoa Boulevard on the South to Sunset on the North and from K Street to the 101 Freeway on the East. We market the rich and diverse mix of retail, dining, lodging, entertainment, professional and service businesses in central Arcata. The organization is comprised of a board of eleven directors, committee chairs, volunteers and staff. Following is a listing of our committees that serve under the Board of Directors and President of ADBC and how they relate to this four point process.
Organization Committee: We help diverse groups, organizations, and businesses work together effectively: We represent merchants, and work with lenders, government, property owners, civic and professional groups, and individual citizens to help businesses succeed. ADBC serves as your liaison to city hall to keep you informed of policy issues that affect the downtown and to voice your concerns. We produce and maintain a "Goods & Services" Guide for the downtown business community, utilized by citizens and visitors alike. Our membership is posted on our website and links to member's sites and e-mail addresses, creating a virtual downtown.
Design Committee: We assist property owners and businesses within the downtown in the remodel/renovate building facades and encourage retention of historical elements that create Downtown Arcata's sense of place. The Design Committee administers $100,000.00 per year of Façade Improvement Grant funds. Over the years this program has aided property owners to upgrade their buildings and has changed the face of the downtowns business climate. The Design Committee also assists the city in civic beautification projects, street tree installations, directional signage and special projects.
Promotions: We work at promoting the district as an exciting center of the community with unique stores and quality services that meet the needs of area residents. We also promote the downtown in conjunction with a series of special events, the Arcata Bay Oyster Festival, Concerts on the Plaza ,Trick or Treat on the Plaza and Holiday Open House which produce a significant financial impact in the community. We also serve a hospitality function in the downtown, maintaining an information center for visitors giving directions, suggestions and information to travelers about the downtown, city and county.
Economic Restructuring: We strengthen the downtown's economic health through effective marketing of the goods and services available in the business district. We encourage businesses to participate in the continuing educational seminars produced by the Small Business Administration, AEDC and the Chamber of Commerce.
We are available should you have any questions or need additional information regarding our programs. Our membership is voluntary and is encouraged for all small businesses, professionals and property owners within the district. It is membership that supports our organization and its ability to continue and expand our marketing efforts for the district.
Our Outreach:
- Quarterly Newsletter - keeping you informed about issues, downtown news and discussion topics.
- Visitor Center - assisting visitors with maps, brochures, dining and event information, based in the historic Jacoby's Storehouse.
- Major Festivals - We produce the annual Arcata Bay Oyster Festival, Concerts on the Plaza..
- Promotions - We produce four annual advertising programs with activities and decorations in the downtown area.
Partnerships - We work with area groups to promote both awareness of the Main Street Program and the products and services of its members. Our partners include the City of Arcata, Humboldt State University, The Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary, the Humboldt Crabs, Northcoast Children's Center, Farmer's Market and local restaurateurs and hospitality providers, non-profit organizations and citizens.