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!

4th Street merchants will be welcoming kids and families on Saturday October 26th from 1p-3p. Dress up, bring a bag and get ready for some treats! (or tricks).
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:

Redwood Bikeshare – Sonoma & Marin’s new Ebike program

The Redwood Bikeshare pilot program has begun. Redwood Bikeshare is a partnership between the Sonoma County Transportation Authority (SCTA) and the Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM), utilizing a grant from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) to establish the Redwood Bikeshare pilot program. Redwood Bikeshare expands bicycle access and provides a new form of transportation, giving…

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Welcome MODERN + AVENIDA to our Downtown – 1332 4th Street!

MODERN + AVENIDA: is a homeware store specializing in acacia wood kitchenware. We’re committed to ethically sourced, handcrafted wood products. Each item is carefully carved from a single piece of wood, ensuring high quality, durability, and unique artistry. We also offer a selection of locally made, hand-poured candles in a variety of captivating scents to…

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Join the Holiday Gift Guide – deadline Oct 30!

Dear Downtown San Rafael Business Owners, As the holiday season approaches, the BID is excited to offer you a fantastic opportunity to showcase your business to the entire Marin County community. We are organizing a full-page ad in the Marin Independent Journal’s (Marin IJ) November Shopping Guide, reaching thousands of potential customers during this prime shopping season.…

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Thank you to our volunteers that helped Phase 2 of the Downtown Mulching Project on 9/26

A big thank you to Tobi Lessum from Bodywise Massage and all the wonderful volunteers who joined us on September 26th for Phase 2 of our annual mulching project. The before and after photos speak for themselves and help makes out Downtown shine! Your hard work is helping to beautify our downtown, and we couldn’t…

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4th Annual Hops & Vines Stroll Brought Nearly 300 People Into Our Downtown Businesses!

We are thrilled to share that the 4th Annual Hops & Vines Stroll on September 30th was a fantastic success, bringing nearly 300 people into our vibrant Downtown San Rafael! Attendees enjoyed a day filled with shopping, dining, and exploring, as they visited 20 participating businesses. One of the highlights of the event was the…

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Introducing the NEW Downtown San Rafael Business Community Calendar!

Stay connected with everything happening in Downtown San Rafael! Our new community calendar is your go-to spot for discovering downtown business events like trivia nights, live music, art shows, and more. Businesses are encouraged to list their happenings so the community can easily see what’s going on downtown. Whether you’re a local business owner or…

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City of San Rafael Sanctioned Camping Program

The City is establishing a sanctioned camping area along the northern portion of the Mahon Creek Path through grant funding provided by the State of California Encampment Resolution Funding Program. Why the Camping Area has Been Established Individuals experiencing homelessness have been camping in this area in recent years. When the City banned camping at Albert…

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Downtown Community Benefit District Meeting, Monday, September 30

The first meeting of the new Downtown San Rafael Community Benefit District (CBiD) is scheduled for Monday September 30 from 4pm – 5pm. The meeting is open to the public and will be held at San Rafael City Hall, 1400 5th Avenue, San Rafael. We hope you will attend the first meeting in person or…

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1001 4th Street Art Transformation

“Artist’s Design Concept” Art Works Downtown has commissioned an artist to install a 450 square foot original visual art piece in the windows of 1001 4th Street. The Sausalito-based artist, Raylene Gorum,  works primarily with intricately cut vinyl, acrylic, and wood to create installations and flat work that blur spatial boundaries.  In collaboration, the owner…

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Join Phase 2 of the Downtown Mulching Project – Thursday, September 26th

Join Us for Phase 2 of the BID Downtown Mulching Project 2024! Date: Thursday, Sept 26 Time: 9:30a-12:30p 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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Scoping Meeting to Present Planned Improvements to US 101 / I-580

The Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM) and Caltrans invites you to participate in the upcoming scoping meeting for the US 101/I-580 Multi-Modal and Local Access Improvement Project. This project aims to reduce travel times between northbound US 101 and the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge and includes possible improvements along Bellam Boulevard such as potential roundabouts and…

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Upcoming Marin SBDC Trainings – September & October

UPCOMING TRAININGS The SBDC provides virtual and in-person training and workshops designed for business development on various key topics. Did we mention these trainings are free? CANVA BASICS – Wednesday, September 25 | 12:00 – 1:30 PM Create professional images and videos without a design background. In this workshop, you will learn how to use Canva…

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Downtown San Rafael Holiday Event Producer Request for Proposal (RFP)

SAN RAFAEL HOLIDAY EVENT PRODUCER REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL DOWNTOWN SAN RAFAEL HOLIDAY EVENT PRODUCERREQUEST FOR PROPOSAL DOWNTOWN SAN RAFAEL HOLIDAY EVENT PRODUCERREQUEST FOR PROPOSAL The BID has released a Request for Proposal (RFP) for event production services on behalf of the San Rafael Business Improvement District (BID) and the San Rafael Chamber. The RFP solicits…

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San Rafael Public Library – The Downtown Library will be temporarily relocating to 4th Street

On September 2nd, the Downtown Library will be closing for much-needed safety and infrastructure updates. On September 16th, they will be reopening at a pop-up location on 4th Street to continue providing library services in downtown San Rafael during construction. The pop-up library will be at 1009 4th Street, across from the Bank of America,…

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City of San Rafael Fire Department Celebrating 150th Anniversary – Aug 17th

Join the City of San Rafael Fire Department in celebrating our 150th Anniversary! To celebrate, we are hosting open houses at each Fire Station across the city. Our next open house is at Station 52 on August 17 from 10-12 and will include a firefighting demonstration at 11 AM. Visit us and meet the crews,…

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Best of Marin – San Rafael Winners

Marin Magazine listed the winners for the readers choice award in Marin County!  San Rafael is stacked with Winners!!!  Congratulations: Dining: Best Indian – Lotus Cuisine of India Take comfort in award-winning Indian cuisine from a long-running, family-run, certified green business with an energy-efficient kitchen and eco-friendly appliances. There is an abundance of organic vegan,…

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San Rafael apartment plan switches to seniors’ housing

A controversial plan for an 80-foot-tall, 162-apartment building in downtown San Rafael has been swapped for a seniors’ complex of the same size, but with more rooms. Monahan Pacific, a San Rafael development firm, won approval for the apartment project last year amid complaints from community members – including an appeal to the City Council…

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Best of Marin Dining – San Rafael Winners

Marin Magazine listed the winners for the readers choice award in Dining. Whether you’re craving Italian, Mexican, Chinese or a meal out with a view, here are the Best of the County 2024 readers’ choices for dining in San Rafael. Congratulations! Best Indian – Lotus Cuisine of India Take comfort in award-winning Indian cuisine from a…

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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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Homelessness Updates in San Rafael

Stay up to date on all of the hard work the City of San Rafael’s Homelessness Department is working on to support our unhoused community. Subscribe to the Newsletter HERE. Newest update:  Marin County and the City of San Rafael have been awarded nearly $6 million by the California Interagency Council on Homelessness (Cal ICH)…

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See Click Fix – How to report an Issue in Downtown!

SeeClickFix is a 311 solution that empowers businesses to report issues, identify repair needs, share feedback, and ask questions of their local government leaders. For local governments, it powers efficient and transparent workflows, fostering accountability and trust. The result is collaborative experiences between governments and residents that co-create clean, safe, and happy communities. Categories that…

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

Utility Box Painting Program returns to San Rafael! 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. Specifically, we…

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Celebrate Diversity Month – April

At Tuesday’s City Council meeting, there will be a special presentation supporting Celebrate Diversity Month. Members of the City’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Committee are set to accept a proclamation and provide a brief overview of their work. This presentation will highlight the Committee’s efforts to foster an inclusive environment, promote equity, and…

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San Rafael Transit Center – Stay Updated

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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April Chamber Morning Program – Improv Marin

Date: April 2, 2024 Time: 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM PDT Come to the Chamber AM program each month to network, listen and learn.  At this face-to-face networking meeting, you can grow your contact list, hear how existing members have utilized benefits for positive outcomes and learn something new about our community so you gain a better understanding of…

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Pacific Sun Best of Marin VOTE 2024

The Pacific Sun Best of Marin 2024 Readers Poll For over 60 years, the Pacific Sun has shone a spotlight on the best that Marin County as to offer. Now it’s time to turn to you, our loyal readers, to share what makes our region the finest place to live, work, and revel, through our…

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Supporting Economic Vitality for Small Business Owners – $10,000 Grant, Deadline April 7

Supporting Economic Vitality for Small Business Owners In partnership with American Express, the Backing Small Businesses grant program supports economically vulnerable and under-resourced small businesses with community reach. This year, eligible small business owners can apply for $10,000 grants for projects that grow or improve their businesses by building community, supporting their economic viability, or…

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2024 Labor Law & Handbook Updates – March 20 Workshop

Mar 20 12:00 pm – 1:15 pm If you are an employer, then this workshop will be important for you. In 2024, new employment laws have already gone into effect and there will be more coming in July. All of these changes will impact the way you conduct your business. This workshop will cover the recent changes,…

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2024 Business of the Year Nominations – San Rafael Chamber!

Calling All 2024 Business of the Year Nominations! Don’t forget to vote for your favorite Chamber Business of the Year and Downtown San Rafael Business of the Year. Honorees will be announced at the State of the City – Taste of San Rafael, Business of the Year Awards on Wednesday, May 15, 2024. Award categories…

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Become a Canva Pro – April 25 Workshop

Thursday, April 25 | 12:00 – 1:30 PM Canva, often described as the “design tool for non-designers,” is a fantastic platform to help you craft a variety of visual formats: social media posts, presentations, print materials such as flyers and post cards, mockups, and many others. This workshop will teach you how to use Canva…

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Increase Sales with Google Ads – April 4th Workshop

Thursday, April 4 | 12:00 – 1:30 PM FREE WORKSHOP This webinar will teach you ways to use Google Ads to increase your marketing capabilities and show up better in searches. Clients who have taken this workshop have seen increases in sales and a targeted approach to attracting the right clients.   Here’s a recent…

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New in Town – TuTu Lounge (old Bogie’s location)

There’s a new San Rafael restaurant on Fourth Street!  TuTu Lounge, serving “Pacific Rim Cuisine”, has taken over at 1335 – 4th St in the Art Works Downtown building. This location has been home to a few restaurants over the past dozen years. Odalisque Cafe & Grille, Green Chile Kitchen & Bogie’s Too. Much of…

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San Rafael Leadership Institute Class Project – Utility Box “Art With a Purpose” – CALL TO ARTISTS

Utility Box Painting Program returns to San Rafael! 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. Specifically, we…

Read More

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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Wabi Pottery Ladies night every Weds- starting this February!

Starting this February, Wabi Pottery Studio will be hosting weekly women’s wine Wednesdays! They welcome you to come after work, relax, enjoy a glass of wine and meet other creative local women! During this event you will learn how to use the wheel to make cups, bowls, plates or vases. All instruction, clay, and tools…

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Storytelling Marketing Through Video and Image Workshop, 2/28

Are your photos and videos working for you? Now more than ever, images and videos are key components to maximize your marketing efforts. Learn from an expert (Stephanie Koehler, Owner of SAKinterMedia) how to promote yourself through your visuals. Learn what it takes to create an image or video that has impact, draw and pull…

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AI Marketing Workshop, March 13th

This workshop by Stephanie Koehler, Owner of SAKinterMedia, will provide insights into how artificial intelligence is transforming the marketing landscape. Learn the benefits of leveraging AI for marketing, including content ideation, optimization, and personalization. Attendees will learn how to integrate machine learning with tools to save time and develop targeted campaigns. We’ll also cover some…

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Third Street Improvement Project – Completed!

On Friday, January 11th, the City of San Rafael celebrated the successful completion of the extensive 20-month Third Street Improvement Project, a collaborative effort involving utility companies, the City, and private projects. This $20.8 million project, which began construction in March 2022 and was funded in part by TAM’s Measures A and AA funds as…

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Downtown Streets Team

What a whirlwind it has been for Downtown Streets Team, Marin! In 2023, we expanded our housing case management and street outreach efforts substantially throughout various programming county-wide. Overall, 29 of our unhoused neighbors found a place to call home through our services and support this past year, receiving the dignity, care, and stable housing…

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BID Annual Report 2023 and 2024 Plan

The BID Annual Report for 2023 and Plan for 2024 was presented to the City Council in December – It highlighted the prior year’s activities of the BID and the projected activities for the next year.  The City Council approved the BID assessment for 2024. READ FULL REPORT HERE The BID is also looking for…

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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.