About the Downtown Chico Business Association

The Downtown Chico Business Association (DCBA) is a nonprofit working to ensure Downtown Chico remains the heart of our community—a thriving place to shop, dine, gather, and celebrate local culture.

Our mission is to improve, promote, and enhance the experience and identity of Chico's Downtown District—its businesses, arts, culture, and sense of place. Guided by a three-year business plan (2023–2025) that is updated annually, we focus on creating both immediate impact and long-term sustainability.

To carry out this mission, DCBA concentrates on four key areas:

Organizational Rebuilding

We are rebuilding after the challenges of pandemic closures by strengthening our Board of Directors, recognizing downtown businesses as stakeholders, hiring skilled staff, and forming strategic partnerships with organizations such as Chico State, Explore Butte County, Butte College, the City of Chico, and Public Services. This rebuilding has also been supported through a three-year funding agreement with the City of Chico, which concludes in December 2025.

Marketing & Communications

Our priority is supporting downtown businesses. We do this through listening sessions, the Love Downtown Chico marketing campaign, quarterly business meetups, and increasing awareness of downtown and its businesses through a strong social presence.

Events & Promotions

Signature events are the lifeblood of Downtown Chico and one of the most visible ways DCBA serves the community. For decades, these traditions have defined our city center—bringing energy, connection, and joy to the heart of Chico. From long-standing festivals to seasonal celebrations, our events do more than entertain: they create belonging, support local businesses, and remind residents and visitors alike that Downtown is the destination.

Placemaking

Downtown Chico is the city's center for arts, culture, shopping, and dining—and placemaking is how we keep it vibrant. Our role is to ensure downtown remains fun, inviting, and full of experiences that draw people in and make them want to stay. By investing in the look, feel, and vitality of the district, DCBA helps create an environment where students, parents, residents, and visitors feel connected to the heart of Chico.

Governance

The DCBA Board meets on the first Thursday of each month at 8:00 a.m., and the Executive Board meets on the third Thursday of each month. Guests are always welcome. Please check the monthly agenda for the meeting location.

• DCBA 3-Year Plan

• DCBA Bylaws

• Articles of Incorporation

• Board Meeting Agendas & Minutes

• Progress Reports to City of Chico
  City of Chico 24-Month Report

Our History & Structure

Established: 1975 — The Downtown Chico Business Association was formed by downtown business owners and the City of Chico.

Legal Formation: DCBA was established under California Streets & Highways Code §36000 as a Downtown Parking and Business Improvement Area (DPBIA). This allows us to:

• Acquire, construct, or maintain parking facilities for the area

• Decorate public spaces

• Promote public events in downtown

• Provide music and performances in public areas

• Support and promote retail trade activity

Assessment District: As a DPBIA, the City of Chico collects an additional fee on business licenses within district boundaries (per Chico Municipal Code 3.34.010–3.34.140). Those funds are distributed to DCBA, which is contracted by the City to use them for the purposes outlined in the California Streets & Highways Code.

District Boundaries: The Downtown Parking & Business Improvement District covers 40 square blocks, generally from 2nd Street to 9th Street and Flume to Salem, and includes an average of 400 diverse businesses.