The Downtown San Mateo Association’s elevated fees are paying off, according to a recent staff report, which saw a four-fold increase in income over the last several years.
The DSMA increased its fees for most downtown businesses beginning last year, citing the need to bolster community engagement and events to entice more visitors and patrons to one of the Peninsula’s most built-out downtowns. It also brought on new leadership in Executive Director Mackenzie Jakoubek, who stated the additional revenue has been a boon for businesses.
“The change has been absolutely instrumental in our successes for the fiscal year,” Jakoubek said during a City Council meeting Monday, June 17.
According to a staff report, objections from some businesses were raised during the initial discussions over fee increases — which hadn’t been changed in more than a decade — though updates were made to lower costs for sole proprietors and medium-sized businesses with six to 15 employees.
Depending on the location and type of business, annual costs can range from $100 to more than $3,000. Retail businesses may pay up to $1,500 if they generate $1 million or more in annual gross receipts, and professional service firms, such as technology companies, incur a $3,050 cost at the highest limit, provided they employ over 75 people. Service businesses also have varying rates, ranging from $200 to $2,300 each year.
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“The DSMA is back to full strength. If you see all the events and other plans we have this past year and coming up for the next 12 months, it’s nonstop. We want downtown San Mateo to continue being the best downtown on the Peninsula,” said DSMA Board Member Robert Anderson.
Jakoubek said the fees have helped them host 11 pop-up events over the past year, such as a Boba Day and Lunar New Year and Juneteenth celebrations. And a better look at individuals’ post-COVID work and leisure schedules have helped the association shift events and engagement efforts to align better with the heightened foot traffic that now takes place in the evenings more so than weekday afternoons.
“Downtown San Mateo Association remains committed to supporting and enhancing our vibrant business district,” Jakoubek said. “We are excited about the future and look forward to continuing our efforts, including collaboration with businesses, the community and the city of San Mateo.”
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