DVBID Appoints New Executive Director

Transition and Challenges for the Downtown Vacaville Business Improvement District

The Downtown Vacaville Business Improvement District (DVBID) is currently in a period of transition, marked by financial challenges and leadership changes. Recently, the DVBID's Board of Directors met with a representative from the city to discuss the future direction of the organization. The district has received funding from the city through March 2026, but it has faced difficulties in maintaining financial stability. This comes after the previous Executive Director stepped down over the summer, prompting the need for new leadership and strategic planning.

In the coming weeks, the DVBID is preparing to present itself to the Vacaville City Council again. One of the key steps in this process will be announcing a new Executive Director, which is expected to happen within the next two weeks. The board is also considering a potential contract with New Cities America, a consulting firm that has worked with other cities across California to strengthen their Business Improvement Districts (BIDs). Examples of their work include the Little Italy district in San Diego and Jack London Square in Oakland. This firm specializes in Property Business Improvement Districts (PBIDs), which are designed to provide additional services within specific geographic areas.

Understanding Property and Business Improvement Districts

A Property and Business Improvement District operates as a special assessment district, where property owners pay an additional fee through their property tax bills. This funding supports services tailored to the needs of the district, with the goal of benefiting all property owners who contribute. Some well-known examples of PBIDs include the Downtown Vallejo district and other areas such as Shadelands in Walnut Creek, Telegraph Hill and Chinatown in San Francisco, and Downtown and Midtown Sacramento.

These districts are essential in promoting economic development and enhancing the appeal of local business areas. They often focus on improving infrastructure, organizing community events, and supporting local businesses through marketing and outreach efforts.

New Liaison and Communication Challenges

Economic Development Manager Slater Matzke, who recently joined the city’s Economic Development team, attended the meeting and will serve as a liaison between the DVBID and the city government. Matzke brings business experience and a commitment to representing small businesses at City Hall. He emphasized the importance of gathering information from BID members to make informed decisions.

Matzke acknowledged the challenges in the relationship between the city and the DVBID, particularly regarding past economic development initiatives that were not fully implemented. DVBID Vice President Elaine Cloutier expressed frustration about the city's approach, noting that studies were conducted but not applied effectively. She called for improved communication moving forward.

Matzke stated that he does not believe in a "honeymoon period" with stakeholders and instead wants to focus on open and honest communication. He recognized the importance of collaboration between the DVBID and the city to achieve common goals.

Budget and Leadership Changes

Cloutier shared details about the DVBID's current budget, which stands at $200,000 for the year. The board has been conducting interviews for a new executive director and has made a selection. However, the name of the individual has not yet been announced. The role will retain its title but will function more like a business manager, focusing on operational efficiency and growth.

Cloutier mentioned that the executive director's salary has the potential to increase as the budget grows. This reflects the organization's commitment to long-term sustainability and success.

Regrowth and Community Awareness

Following the meeting, Cloutier emphasized that the DVBID is in a phase of regrowth and increasing awareness. She highlighted the importance of city support in expanding the shopping district and raising awareness among Vacaville residents.

"We want people to know that we need the city's support in order to grow our shopping district and bring awareness to the people of Vacaville," she said. "Because a lot of people in Vacaville don't even know that there is a downtown."

This sentiment underscores the need for continued collaboration between the DVBID and the city to ensure the revitalization and visibility of downtown Vacaville.