The El Cajon Boulevard Business Improvement Association was incorporated in 1988 for purposes of administering the Boulevard Central Business Improvement District. It assumed oversight of the Boulevard Gateway District in 1997. The principal mission of the Association is to improve physical and economic conditions along the 60 blocks of the Boulevard between Park Boulevard and 54th Street.

Traversing the communities of University Heights, North Park, Normal Heights, Kensington, Talmadge and City Heights, the Boulevard has experienced 20 years of progress beginning with the installation of the Boulevard sign in 1989. Since that time utility wires have been undergrounded, ornamental streetlights installed, the medians landscaped, and street trees planted.

The 900 member businesses reflect the diversity of the population, and provide a wide range of goods and services. 90 restaurants of a multitude of ethnicities provide a variety of dining experiences. 80 auto-related businesses, 70 business service establishments and 60 medical facilities along with a variety of home furnishing and apparel stores serve the adjacent resident population and attract destination shoppers as well.

Most recently the Boulevard has experienced the beginning of mixed-use infill development. Several hundred housing units have been constructed and hundreds more are planned.

Mission Statement

The El Cajon Boulevard Business Improvement Association seeks to promote and maintain economic growth and cultural diversity by working in partnership with its surrounding neighborhoods, thus serving the needs of the residents and business owners.

Goals:

1. To understand and advocate for the small business needs of the membership

2. To ensure the Boulevard's future as a safe and pleasant place to live, work, and do business

3. To continue bringing public improvement activity onto and adjacent to the Boulevard

4. To promote reasonable infill development along the Boulevard including a business mix complementary to its neighborhood and regional consumer base.

Bylaws

The accociation's bylaws can be dowloaded here.

History

Formed in 1988, The Boulevard is one of the 17 Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) of San Diego. Extending from Park Boulevard east tojust beyond 54th Street along and one block north and south of El Cajon Boulevard, one of San Diego’s major commercial corridors. The Boulevard BIA regards socio-economic progress as one of its primary goals. This progress will benefit the businesses and the people they serve within University Heights, North Park, Normal Heights, Kensington, Talmadge and City Heights.

This BID is unique in that its Boulevard has undergone massive socio-cultural changes within the last twenty years. Immigrant groups from all over the world have come to live in and around the BID. As many as 56 languages are spoken on the Boulevard. The BID holds special events and attractions as a way of bringing people together, making them comfortable with the diverse ethnic groups living among them. This in turn helps local businesses because customers feel a sense of community as they attend to their business on the Boulevard.

Structure

The Boulevard BIA has an active Board of Directors (elected annually), three part-time paid staff members and a number of volunteers.

There are currently nine members on the Board of Directors, four of whom hold seats on the Executive Committee. President Jacqueline O’Connor owns O’Connor Church Goods and actively involves herself with outreach to the small business community. Vice President Polly Gillette is committed to upgrading the appearance of the Boulevard, where she is a long-time property owner. Treasurer Ricardo Alvarez-Malo owns a El Pollo Loco franchise on the Boulevard and is involved in many issues effecting restaurants and employment issues. Secretary Cuong Nguyen owns the Soda Bar and in advocate for increased small business developlment on The Boulevard.

The remaining members of the Board serve as the eyes and ears of the business district. They attend many of the committee meetings, such as Promotions, Design and Economic Restructuring.

Meeting Schedule

Contact the Boulevard Staff for information on meetings to help you get involved in the Mid City community. The Boulevard (619) 283-3608

Click here to view our calendar.

Meeting Agendas and Minutes

Board of Directors