SupportSanRafaelbanner2020

Supporting San Rafael's downtown is our only job

Our eclectic downtown is something to celebrate

Our non-profit works to revitalize the downtown corridor

The BID stands for beatification and advocating for members

Our Downtown is rich in history and tradition

The BID strives to build community

Stroll our Downtown to appreciate our diverse and vibrant businesses

Welcome to Downtown San Rafael!

Gather your friends and family, put on your dancing shoes, and join us where the rhythm of the city meets the heartbeat of our community.
2nd Friday Art Walks, West End Block Parties, Film Festivals, Small Business Saturday, May Madness Car Show, Farmer's Markets, Hops & Vines Stroll, and much more.
Parking meters, garages, and lots. Employee & Resident Parking. Monthly Permits, Parking Apps & Electric Vehicle Charging Stations. Smart Train & Public Transit.
What is the Business Improvement District and our Mission. Sign up for the Newsletter. Meet the Staff and Board of Directors. Find meeting agendas and minutes. Get involved.

Downtown News

San Rafael Transit Center – New Concept Revealed at June 25th Open House

The Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District (Bridge District) has started a multi-year process to develop a new transit center for San Rafael. Several government agencies are partners with the Bridge District to identify a new transit center site and configuration that will provide for the current and future mobility needs of San Rafael…

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SAFE Team Statistics & Report (March 2023 – March 2024)

The San Rafael Specialized Assistance For Everyone (SAFE) Team launched on March 27, 2023. This program is a collaborative effort based on the CAHOOTS model deployed in Eugene, Oregon, which is the leading model for emergency crisis intervention and prevention. 2024 STATITICS: • Calls for Service Handled – 3152 The SAFE Team serves both the…

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Join Phase 2 of the Downtown Mulching Project – Thursday, July 25th

Join Us for Phase 2 of the BID Downtown Mulching Project 2024! Date: Thursday, July 25 Time: 9a-11a Location: 4th Street Intersections Beautify Our Downtown Together What’s Happening: Phase 2 of the BID’s Mulching Project is here, and we need your help to make it a success! We’ll be continuing to mulch the intersections along…

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Happy 19th Anniversary Rebound Bookstore!

REBOUND BOOKSTORE CELEBRATING, 19 YEARS ON 4TH STREET!  JULY, 2024 News from ye olde Stacks!   YOU’RE INVITED TO CELEBRATE!  19 years of feeding your imagination! AND A DEAL  TO CELEBRATE! Buy any 3 books, and get a book  worth $6 or less,  FOR FREE! AN UNEXPECTED COLLECTION!  IN STOCK NOW! over 200 books on CD, Great for road trips, lighten your…

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California Compete State Tax Credit Available to Businesses

The California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC) is an income tax credit available to businesses that want to locate in California or stay and grow in California. Businesses of any industry, size, or location compete for over $180 million available in tax credits by applying in one of the three application periods each year. Applicants will…

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Dancing Under the Lights – A New Celebration and Pivot – more details coming soon

Dear BID Members, It is with great excitement that we introduce, Dancing Under The Lights (DUTL).   The purpose of introducing Dancing Under The Lights is to showcase our next step from the former Dining Under The Lights. Dining Under The Lights was a very important part of bringing community back to Downtown as businesses were…

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519 4th Street Housing Development

An affordable-housing developer is proposing to construct a six-story complex with 56 apartments on a city-owned lot in downtown San Rafael. Half of the dwellings would be reserved as supportive housing for formerly homeless residents, according to the preliminary application from Abode Housing Development. The quarter-acre site  is located at 519 Fourth St. between Irwin Street and…

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San Rafael Leadership Institute Class Project – Utility Box “Art With a Purpose” – May Updates

Utility Box Painting Program returned to San Rafael this May! What: The San Rafael Leadership Institute Class of 2024 “Art with a Purpose” project promotes creating a healthy, sustainable, inclusive, and resilient community. Why: Install art on existing infrastructure, aiming to inspire residents, job seekers, and employers by promoting chamber values such as sustainability, inclusivity, and equitable opportunities.…

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GRANTS TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE REUSABLE FOODWARE ORDINANCE

The Marin County Environmental Health Services (EHS) wants to help all cities and towns in Marin County to meet the requirements of the Reusable Foodware Ordinance (RFO). Enforcement began by EHS inspectors on November 10, 2023.  The EHS Technical Assistance Team is available to educate and award grants of $599 to help businesses transition to meet…

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SMART Offering Free rides to Seniors and Youth

SMART is offering free fare for youth and seniors. This new fare structure is a pilot program effective through June 30, 2025, which aims to increase use of public transit for these age groups, fostering environmental sustainability and enhancing mobility in the region. How it works Beginning April 1, 2024, youth (ages 0-18) and seniors (ages…

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Downtown Business Events

California Compete State Tax Credit Available to Businesses

The California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC) is an income tax credit available to businesses that want to locate in California or stay and grow in California. Businesses of any industry, size, or location compete for over $180 million available in tax credits by applying in one of the three application periods each year. Applicants will…

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Voices of Freedom – Young Writers Speak out about tomorrow – June 19th

Reading event!  New work by students from Novato Marin School of the Arts. Wednesday Juneteenth,  6:00- 8:00 PM. Rebound Bookstore, 1611 4th Street. San Rafael No charge.  light snacks Seize the time!

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Dancing Under the Lights – A New Celebration and Pivot – more details coming soon

Dear BID Members, It is with great excitement that we introduce, Dancing Under The Lights (DUTL).   The purpose of introducing Dancing Under The Lights is to showcase our next step from the former Dining Under The Lights. Dining Under The Lights was a very important part of bringing community back to Downtown as businesses were…

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Here and Queer – Spotlight Show at the YIA Gallery, June 10-21

Here and Queer Spotlight Show at the YIA Gallery Guest Curated by High School Student, Eva H. On view June 10-21, 2024 Public Reception: Friday, June 14; 5:00-7:00pm YIA Gallery & Art Lab 917 C Street San Rafael, CA 94901 Gallery & Art Lab Hours: 11:00am-4:00pm Youth in Arts is proud to present the inaugural…

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REBOUND BOOKSTORE HOSTS ACTIVIST PHOTO EXHIBIT -“TAKE IT TO THE STREETS!”

Juxtaposed with the permanent display of original 1960’s rock posters at the Rebound Bookstore 1611 4th Street will be a powerful collection of political street images shot by two exciting photographers. Displayed will be historic photos from the 1960s’ by internationally published activist/ photographer William Haigwood and documentary images of current political activism in Marin…

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ART EXHIBITION:  The Marin Society of Artists presents “CRAZY FOR ART”

ART EXHIBITION:   The Marin Society of Artists presents “CRAZY FOR ART”, an adventurous exhibition of MSA member’s artwork.   An exciting reception is planned for Friday, April 12, 5pm to 8pm –   guest performers “Improv Marin” at 6pm, live music by “JT and Friends”, an award presentation, snacks and drinks.  We have 3 galleries filled with…

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ArtRageous: Burning Bubbles Bash, April 20

ArtRageous: Burning Bubbles Bash Saturday, April 20, 2024 • 7-10pm Join us for an evening of live music, delicious nosh, art exhibits, and festive libations at Art Works Downtown’s Burning Bubbles Bash! Get groovy with The Crooked Stuff and have an arty party time, while supporting our mission to provide an environment where visual arts thrive for…

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Dancing Under the Lights – A New Celebration and Pivot

February 29, 2024 BID Members   Dear BID Members, It is with great excitement that we introduce, Dancing Under The Lights (DUTL). The purpose of introducing Dancing Under The Lights is to showcase our next step from the former Dining Under The Lights. Dining Under The Lights was a very important part of bringing community…

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New Art Exhibition at Art Works Downtown: Art of the African Diaspora February 9- March 8

Art of the African Diaspora February 9-March 8, 2024 February 9, 5-8pm: Reception and Art Walk March 8, 5-8pm: Reception and Art Walk Featuring the photography of Asual Aswad, Duane Conliffe, Jim Dennis, Zhané GayByrd Art of the African Diaspora is the longest running event of its kind in the Bay Area. For 26 years it has…

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San Rafael Fire Foundation Crab Feed, Saturday January 13, 2024

San Rafael Fire Foundation Resumes Crab Feed  Crab Feed & Silent Auction Saturday, January 13, 2024 5:00 P.M. B Street Community Center 618 B St. San Rafael, CA 94901 Some great items will be available in the silent auction – great holiday gifts Gift certificates AND much more Live music with Dry Creek Station https://www.drycreekstation.com/ BUY TICKETS…

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Downtown San Rafael Garages Free on Weekends

Free-Parking-Map 2023

Enjoy our Downtown with FREE parking on Saturdays and Sundays!  FREE WEEKEND PARKING is in the A Street and C Street Garages only, thanks to the Parking Department's pilot program started in 2019.