Reflecting on a Remarkable 2023 and Anticipating a Thriving 2024
The North Park Business District has been bustling with life and transformation, owing much of its vigor to the tireless efforts of our local business leaders, engaged property owners, and determined residents. As we bid farewell to an eventful 2023, it’s time to reflect on our milestones and gear up for the promising journey that lies ahead in 2024.
Looking Back on 2023: A Year of Progress and Collaboration
Throughout 2023, NPMS orchestrated coffee chats that brought together our elected representatives like Congressman Peters, County Supervisor Montgomery-Steppe, Mayor Gloria, and Councilmember Stephen Whitburn. These dialogues weren’t just discussions; they were avenues for community engagement, where the voices from our district could be heard and used to help shape how our leaders tackle the issues & opportunities present for our district.
We hosted four business forums, where the North Park Special Enhancement District (SED) and Business Improvement District (BID) programs were at the forefront of discussions. These forums served as the bedrock for uniting our business and property owner community, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared vision for our district’s enhancement.
We leaned into improving our maintenance operations with the launch of the North Park Maintenance App—a user-friendly app empowering business and property owners to swiftly communicate non-emergent sanitation issues to our dedicated maintenance team. They are the backbone of our district and have accomplished a lot during this trans-formative period. In 2023 alone, they removed 4,480 instances of graffiti and stickers, cleaned 2578 sidewalk blocks, power washed 1019 sidewalks, pulled 1035 trash bags, removed 900 large debris items, and beautified 375 tree wells and parkways. Their unwavering commitment truly makes them invaluable assets to our community. Our team also grew with the establishment of a new role within our organization—the community engagement coordinator—dedicated to fostering stronger connections within our community.
We organized 10 ribbon-cutting ceremonies for new businesses and witnessed a dozen others open their doors, infusing fresh energy into our streets.
We assisted in the creation of four captivating murals that added color and character to our vibrant district.
Notably, our signature events—North Park Music Festival, Taste of North Park, Shop Local Saturday, and North Park Winter Wonderland Festival—served as cornerstones of joy and unity within our district. The North Park Music Festival was even nominated as a top neighborhood event by the San Diego Reader, a testament to the spirit and vibrancy of our community.
Despite the challenges stemming from the pandemic’s aftermath—supply chain disruptions, staffing issues, inflation, and an overall increase in costs to do business — our district forged ahead, channeling resilience and determination in navigating these hurdles.
Anticipating an Impactful 2024: The Dawn of a Modern Golden Age
The fervor and enthusiasm for 2024 are palpable, not only within NPMS but also among the commercial developers we collaborate with. North Park is poised at the brink of its modern golden age, with more than $25 million earmarked for large developments in our district this year alone.
The forthcoming grand opening of the Bivouac Adventure Lodge, the proposed trans-formative development of the Sunset Temple property, and the exciting debuts of Drew Deckman’s Watershed and his son Sam’s new spot on 30th (not to forget Finca on North Park Way, Carne y Hueso on Iowa, and Leila on University among others) are testaments to our district’s flourishing potential.
This surge in developments isn’t solely confined to the big players; it’s a ripple effect of countless improvements initiated by our local business and property owners, painting a promising picture for North Park’s future. Despite the challenges ahead, 2024 holds the promise of propelling North Park as the prime destination for dining, shopping, and entertainment.
Continued Momentum and New Initiatives in 2024
NPMS is not resting on its laurels. In 2024, we are set to unveil several programs. One such initiative focuses on enhancing transportation within our neighborhood, addressing a crucial aspect of accessibility for our district and visitors alike.
Additionally, our “Best of North Park” series aims to spotlight the impactful businesses and their owners who have been instrumental in shaping North Park’s vibrant and eclectic identity. Stay tuned for these enriching programs by signing up for our newsletter. You can also connect with us in person at our upcoming Business Forum on January 30th at Bivouac’s new Adventure Lodge.
EVENT PAGE: https://northparkmainstreet.com/event/state-of-district-address-q1-business-forum/
As we stand on the precipice of a transformative year, the energy pulsating through North Park is invigorating. Together, we’ve overcome challenges, celebrated victories, and paved the way for a district teeming with possibilities.
We invite each member of our district to join us on this exhilarating journey, to be part of a story that transcends boundaries and sets new benchmarks in community engagement, development, and vibrancy.
Let’s embrace 2024 with open arms, with a shared commitment to elevate North Park to greater heights. Our district’s success is not just ours—it’s a collective triumph, a testament to the resilience, unity, and unwavering spirit of North Park.