Downtown SLO is a 501 (c)(6) nonprofit founded in 1975 whose mission is to foster an economically vibrant Downtown. Downtown SLO serves the community by working on initiatives like parking and beautification efforts, coordinating special events and the weekly Farmers’ Market, supporting economic activities and examining Downtown issues.
The organization began as a Business Improvement Association in 1975 when business owners decided to self-assess to improve the district and develop unified promotions, beautification projects, and parking programs for the Downtown area.
In 1998 the organization became the Downtown Association, and in 2008 changed its organizational structure from a city advisory body to an independent 501 (c) 6 nonprofit in order to better serve our members. In 2017, the Board of Directors chose to refresh our image and brand, and now we are proud to be known as Downtown SLO.
Currently we house seven committees comprised of business owners, employees, and the public at large. The Board of Directors is comprised of business owners, managers, financial institutions, not-for-profits, the media and higher education. Together, we strive to enrich our Downtown community through beautification efforts, placemaking, and supporting a vibrant economy.
Duties of Downtown SLO
Downtown SLO is a member-run organization. Downtown businesses are their own guide and determine the direction of the organization. Downtown SLO’s primary objective is to foster an economically vibrant Downtown. Our goals are (not in order of priority)
-Aggressively obtain more available and convenient parking in the Downtown BID boundaries;
-Promote awareness of and participation in alternative access to and within the Downtown core;
-Strongly advocate for cleaning and beautifying the Downtown District;
-Advocate for public safety awareness within the Downtown District;
-Continue a high level of cultural arts, promotional, and fundraising activities;
-Continue to implement Strategic Plan objectives;
-Launch a marketing campaign that promotes the Downtown experience to consumers beyond San Luis Obispo;
-Educate members about their rights and responsibilities as business owners;
-Brand “Downtown SLO” in all print and visual materials to educate and show value of the organization; and
-Encourage and participate in Major City Goals, including the Mission Plaza Master Plan and the Downtown Conceptual Physical Plan updates.
The Board of Directors hires an Executive Director who is responsible for carrying out the directives of the committees, overseeing the budget, and maintaining relationships with City Hall, members, state and community organizations, and the media. The Executive Director also serves as manager of the Main Street program, and oversees the activities of the staff. The Farmers’ Market Manager is responsible for coordinating the highly popular Farmers’ Market activities and overseeing relevant staff. The Special Events Manager implements and oversees several annual special events that occur Downtown, including Concerts in the Plaza, Halloween activities, Holiday Happenings, and more. The Events Assistant supports both the Farmers’ Market Manager and Special Events Manager in their duties. The Office Administrator runs the daily nuts and bolts of the organization, as well as oversees several side projects and supports all positions as needed. The Communications Coordinator ensures that all outreach and communication from the organization is clear, concise, and consistent. Finally, our Downtown Ambassadors welcome tourists to the area, establish and maintain relationships with local businesses and shopkeepers, provide necessary services and interact with panhandlers and transients as needed, remove graffiti & litter, and serve as a representative of Downtown SLO.
Downtown SLO Board of Directors
Downtown SLO is governed by a 15-member Board of Directors which is elected by the membership each March. Board members take office in April and may serve up to two consecutive two-year terms. The Board appoints three designated members representing voluntary member businesses in the district from financial, non-profit, and higher education sectors. The Board also appoints one non-voting media representative. The four appointed terms do not have term limits. All Board members must also serve on at least one of the seven standing committees. The Board of Directors meets every second Tuesday at 7:30 a.m. in the Downtown SLO conference room.
Board Members
Pat Arnold – CoVelop Inc; President, Executive, Parking & Access Committee
Rodessa Newton – Libertine Brewing Company; Past President, Executive Committee, Special Events Chair, Food, Beverage & Services Committee
Pierre Rademaker – Pierre Rademaker Design; Secretary, Executive, Parking & Access Chair, Economic Activities Committee
Carl Dudley – Pacific Western Bank; Designated Member, Financial Treasurer, Executive Committee
M. Faríd Shahíd – Withco Coffee Company ; Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market Chair
Stephen Patrick – Stephen Patrick Design & The BladeRunner Salon & Day Spa; Cultural Arts Chair
Scott Smith – Central Coast Surfboards; Parking Committee
Mark Rawson – Copeland Properties; Parking & Access Committee
Beverley Matthews –Hotel Cerro; Food Beverage & Services Committee
Jai Covey – Novo, Luna Red, and Mint+Craft; Food, Beverage & Services Committee
Stephanie Stackhouse – SLO Yoga Center; Parking Committee
Shelley Stuckey – Tails Pet Boutique; Food, Beverage & Services Committee
Laura Mullen – HumanKind Fair Trade; Designated Member: Nonprofit, Economic Activities Chair
Courtney Kienow – Cal Poly; Designated Member: Higher Education, Economic Activities Committee
Brandon Downing – KSBY; Media Representative, Special Events Committee
Committees
There are seven standing committees: Cultural Arts; Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market; Economic Activities; Food, Beverage, & Services; Issues Evaluation; Parking & Access; and Special Events. All committees are open to the public and have one designated City representative, with the exception of the Issues Evaluation Committee.
Cultural Arts
The purpose of the Cultural Arts Committee is to develop guidelines and programs for the enhancement of Downtown, to maintain pre-established beautification programs, and handle issues related toward the maintenance of a clean, safe, and beautiful Downtown district. The committee also works to promote cultural arts in the Downtown, including public art, theater, museums, and more. Committee members coordinate annual events such as the Window Decorating Contest, Downtown Tree Lighting on Higuera, and Beautification Awards, and also participate in the Downtown Foresters sub-committee. The Cultural Arts Committee meets every third Tuesday of each month at 8:00 a.m. in the Downtown SLO office.
Stephen Patrick – Stephen Patrick Design &
The BladeRunner Salon & Day Spa; Board of Directors, Chair
Bruce Fraser – Fraser Seiple Architects
Karen Kile – San Luis Obispo Museum of Art
Landy Fike – Downtown Enthusiast
Aracelli Astorga – San Luis Obispo County Library
James Papp – Secret SLO, Cultural Heritage Committee
Kevin Harris – SLO REP
Edel Mitchell – ARTS Obispo
Emma Saperstein – Cuesta College Harold J Miossi Art Gallery – Guest
Lindsey Stephenson – City of San Luis Obispo Public Art – City Staff
Ron Combs – City of San Luis Obispo Arborist – City Staff
Kate Zovich – Downtown Enthusiast
Downtown Foresters—Plant, Prune & Protect!
The Downtown Foresters formed in May 2007—as a sub-committee of the Design Committee (now the Cultural Arts Committee)—to assist City tree crews in caring for and maintaining the trees in the Downtown area. They receive training from City Arborist Ron Combs and are responsible for assisting with planting, pruning, watering, fertilizing and looking out for the “urban forest.”
Economic Activities
The Economic Activities Committee was established to oversee matters of economic interest that affect Downtown. Issues such as business retention, and attraction, clustering, retail space availability, economic forecasting, construction, and development projects, and others are discussed and implemented. Most recently the committee took the lead in the rebrand of Downtown SLO. The committee works with the Economic Development Manager at the City of San Luis Obispo to formulate strategies for the economic viability of Downtown. This committee meets the third Thursday of the month at 9 a.m. in the Downtown SLO conference room.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Laura Mullen – HumanKind Fair Trade; Board of Directors, Economic Activities Chair
Jules DuRocher – Jules D; Board of Directors
Courtney Kienow – Cal Poly, Board of Directors
Pierre Rademaker – Pierre Rademaker Design; Board of Directors
Jeff Olds – Jamba Juice
Jay Beck – American Riviera Bank
Bart Devaney – Sunset North Car Wash & Detail Center
Molly Kern – SLO Chamber of Commerce
Brad Bilsten – B. Anthony & Co. Jewelers
Sara Vaskov – Hands Gallery
Carolyn Herzog – Compass Financial Planning, LLC
Molly Cano – SLO City Tourism Manager
Food, Beverage & Services
The Food, Beverage & Services (FBS) Committee was formed to support City and Downtown SLO objectives of providing a safe, attractive and vibrant evening economy in Downtown SLO while reducing issues associated with alcohol outlets and encouraging a more inviting nighttime economy. FBS is comprised of stakeholders including restaurant, bar and business owners who hold licenses to sell and/or serve alcoholic beverages as well as other committee members whose products or services that have an affiliation with the safety and well-being of Downtown. Members pay additional fees to support committee activities. Guests are welcome to attend committee meetings. This committee meets the second Tuesday of the month at 11 a.m. in the Downtown SLO conference room.
Beverley Matthews – Hotel Serra; Board of Directors, Co-Chair
Rodessa Newton – Libertine Brewing Company; Board of Directors
Jai Covey – Novo Restaurant and Lounge & Luna Red; Board of Directors, Co-Chair
Andrea Miller – Spike’s Pub
Marco Abarashed – Mother’s Tavern
Nick Guggisberg – Mother’s Tavern
Ron Meier – Ash Management
Hank Owens – Frog & Peach Pub/Creeky Tiki Bar & Island Grill
Myriam Olaizola – Black Sheep Bar & Grill, Buffalo Pub & Grill
Dan Harper – Blast 825 Taproom
Jacob Moore – The Library
Rai Reynolds – Underground Brewing
Sarah – SLO Brew
Jason Flores– Buffalo Pub
Joe DiFronzo –Giuseppe’s Cucina Rustica
Josh Christensen – Sidecar SLO
Toney Breault – F. McLintocks
Christine Wallace – SLO Police Department – City Staff
Sean Jessen – SLO Police Department – City Staff
Parking and Access
The Parking & Access Committee is responsible for monitoring the status of parking in Downtown San Luis Obispo and for offering solutions to parking problems to city officials. Currently, the committee is working on the development of a parking structure on the corner of Palm and Nipomo Streets. Other issues include parking management, alternative transportation and access, and special programs like the Downtown Access Pass and token programs. This committee meets on the second Thursday of each month at 9 a.m. in the Downtown SLO conference room.
Pierre Rademaker – Pierre Rademaker Design, Board of Directors, Chair
Scott Smith – Central Coast Surfboards, Board of Directors
Pat Arnold – CoVelop, Inc; Board of Directors
Mark Rawson – Copeland Properties; Board of Directors
Stephanie Stackhouse – SLO Yoga Center; Board of Directors
Barry Rands – SLO Bike Club
Patty Thayer – SLO REP
Rick Ellison– Bike SLO County
Alexander Fuchs – City of SLO: Assistant Parking Services Manager, City Staff
Gamaliel Anguiano – City of SLO: Transit Manager, City Staff
Megan Weeks – City of SLO: Transit Assistant, City Staff
John Osumi – Bishop Peak Technology, Inc.
Gigi Paquette – Ride-On Transportation
Anna Devers – SLOCOG
Tim Bochum – SLO City Parking Services Supervisor
Patricia Golden
Donna Milne – 1st Capital Bank
Cheryl Wakefield – Doc Burnstein’s Ice Cream Lab
Marianne Seaborne – Maison Marianne
Issues Evaluation
The Issues Evaluation Committee analyzes critical issues that affect the vitality of our Downtown such as general maintenance problems, proposed ballot measures, and the Downtown Vision Plan, with the objective of finding the best possible outcome for Downtown as a whole. Committee members execute their responsibilities as a representative of Downtown SLO and all of its membership, much like an elected official would be required to do. Their recommendations are taken back to the Board of Directors for formal consideration. The committee is comprised of Board members and members at large for a total of 12 committee members. To become a member of the committee, members must complete an application consisting of two questions. The committee meets the last Wednesday of the month at 8:30 a.m. in the Downtown SLO conference room.
Pat Arnold – CoVelop Collaborative Development; Board of Directors, Chair
Pierre Rademaker – Pierre Rademaker Design; Board of Directors
Rodessa Newton – Libertine Brewing Company; Board of Directors
Stephen Patrick – Stephen Patrick Design, The BladeRunner Salon & Spa; Board of Directors
Ken McGavin – Just Looking Gallery
Doug Shaw – Sanctuary Tobacco Shop
Kelsey Bilsten – B. Anthony & Co. Jewelers
Jason Bond – Fiore, French Quarter
Special Events
The Special Events Committee’s mission is to provide a broad range of promotional events and activities to attract people to the Downtown core, to provide businesses with promotional opportunities, to retain a favorable business atmosphere, and to raise funds for Downtown SLO operations. This committee oversees the Concerts in the Plaza summer concert series, Special Events within Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market throughout the year, and a comprehensive Holiday program including the Holiday Parade, Santa’s House, and the Classic Carousel in Mission Plaza. Special events are an integral part of Downtown SLO’s mission to ensure Downtown is a vibrant and economically viable center for businesses and a safe, clean and beautiful place for visitors to enjoy themselves. The Special Events Committee meets the first Wednesday of each month at 9 a.m. in the Downtown SLO conference room.
Rodessa Newton – Libertine Brewing Company; Board of Directors, Committee Chair
Brandon Downing – KSBY, Board of Directors
Ariel Shannon – Bluebird Salon
Amity Faes – Pacific Premier Bank
Therese Cron – Copeland Properties
Kathy Collins – Maino Brothers Corporation
Corinn Gallo – Kreuzberg / Batch
Dusty Colyer-Worth – SLO Chamber of Commerce
Karen Motto – Tolosa
Laurel Cadena – Miner’s Ace Hardware – Guest
Monica Racz – Keller Williams Central Coast – Guest
Molly Cano – SLO City Tourism Manager – City Staff
Chantal Burns – SLO City Tourism Coordinator – City Staff
Pauline Knowles – Bronze Sun Spa
Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market
The Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market is organized, administered, and paid for by Downtown SLO, with the purpose of:
- Creating a positive image of Downtown San Luis Obispo;
- Exposing community members to retail stores and services offered in Downtown;
- Generating foot traffic on Thursday nights;
- Providing a forum for community activities;
- Maintaining Downtown as the center of retail, social, and civic activities; and enhancing the community as a whole
The Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market committee reviews applications and discusses all manners of business affecting The Market. Another function of the committee is promotion through special events. This committee meets the second Wednesday of the month at 8 a.m. in the Downtown SLO conference room.
M. Farid – WithCo; Board of Directors, Chair
Doug Shaw – Sanctuary Tobacco Shop
Peter Jankay – SLO County Farmers’ Market Association
Ron Meier – ASH Management
Nancy Snyder – Mo’s Smokehouse BBQ
Aasim Sajjad – Shalimar
Sean Lee – The Real Estate Company
Neal Stuckey – Tails Pet Boutique
Jordan Hopkins – City of SLO – Utilities
Jason Beres – SLO City Fire Department
Get Involved
We value hearing from our community and believe your input is crucial to a successful Downtown. To get involved, please visit our office on Garden Street in the Maino Building, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m, or contact us at ReachUs@DowntownSLO.com.
Meet our Staff
