The Downtown Chico Business Assessment

The Downtown Chico Business Assessment Update

The Board of Directors is working with the City of Chico to update the Downtown Chico Business Assessment.

The DCBA Board is working to update the Downtown Chico Business Improvement District so it can better serve and support local businesses. While we can't change the past, we know that under the current assessment model the DCBA is limited in its ability to provide services like destination marketing and placemaking. The new assessment model being proposed will create a stronger foundation, allowing the DCBA to deliver these services in ways that haven't been possible before.

The proposed new model will be designed to provide specific and tangible benefits directly to assessed businesses by implementing activities that increase awareness of Downtown Chico as a premier destination for commerce, culture, dining, services, and entertainment. Activities are intended to drive visitation, extend customer dwell time, and stimulate local spending. Program components may include, but are not limited to, destination marketing, placemaking initiatives, events, and business education, each contributing to increased business activity and the overall economic vitality of the district.

Why We Changed

The programs and services funded by the previous assessment have fallen short of meeting downtown's business needs - especially in marketing and placemaking - because the assessment model has not been updated in nearly 50 years.

The new approach supports business activity and economic vitality of the district with three pillars of programs:

• Destination Marketing – These programs shall be designed and administered to: 1) Promote assessed businesses through strategic campaigns and initiatives; 2) Strengthen commercial, cultural, and service-based operations within Downtown Chico; 3) Increase visitation, dwell time, and consumer spending throughout the district; 4) Contribute to the overall economic vitality and competitive position of Downtown Chico.
• Placemaking – These programs directly benefit assessed businesses by improving the physical environment of Downtown Chico in ways that enhance safety, accessibility, and the overall visitor experience. The Placemaking program shall be designed and administered to: 1) Increase pedestrian activity; 2) Encourage longer visitor stays; 3) Strengthen perceptions of Downtown Chico as a desirable destination for commerce, culture, dining, services, and entertainment.
• Business Education – These programs equip businesses with knowledge, tools, and strategies to increase customer engagement, expand market share, and adapt to emerging opportunities. By fostering collaboration, sharing best practices, and aligning stakeholders around district-wide goals, Business Education programs are intended to: 1) Increase business activity; 2) Strengthen the collective competitiveness of Downtown Chico; 3) Ensure long-term economic vitality for assessed businesses.

How It Works

• Collected annually by the City of Chico as part of your business license renewal
• Appears as a separate line item: Downtown Chico Business Assessment
• Considered a business expense and may be tax deductible

Why This Matters

For Downtown as a Whole

Your assessment fee allows the DCBA to focus on marketing Downtown Chico as a whole—strengthening visibility, attracting more visitors, and supporting the success of every business. Funds will support:

• Coordinated, strategic, and intentional marketing and promotions to spotlight Downtown Chico
• Seasonal campaigns, initiatives, and visitor outreach to increase foot traffic
• Beautification and placemaking efforts that make Downtown more welcoming
• Business education and resources to strengthen our district as a whole

Included Member Benefits

In addition to the district-wide impact, each member will receive the following starting January 1, 2026:

• 20% off DCBA Sponsorship Packages
• Opportunity to be regularly featured on Downtown Chico social media, reaching 43,000+ followers
• Opportunity to participate in signature events
• Listing in the Downtown Chico Member Directory
• Listing in Downtown Chico's "Guides" relevant to your business type (dining, retail, etc.)
• Access to DCBA-sponsored business resources (workshops, meet-ups, etc.)
• First right of refusal for all event tabling/booth opportunities
• Inclusion in the monthly newsletter, reaching over 7,500 community members

Looking Ahead

This is more than an assessment—it's a commitment. By uniting around a common investment, Downtown Chico businesses are taking a collective step to build the visibility, vibrancy, and economic health of the heart of our city.

Have Questions?

Downtown Chico Business Association (DCBA)
General Manager: Celeste Cramer
Welcome Center: 338 Broadway, Chico, CA 95928
Phone: (530) 345-6500
Email: gm@downtownchico.com