Downtown Long Beach

What Downtown Long Beach does

Downtown Long Beach Alliance (DTLB Alliance) is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization designated as the operator of Downtown Long Beach's Property Based Improvement District (PBID) and Downtown Property and Business Improvement Area (DPIA), governing a 1.38-square-mile, 150-block, six-neighborhood waterfront district in Long Beach, California. The organization functions as a quasi-governmental district management body that delivers physical services — Clean Team operations (litter removal, graffiti/sticker removal, pressure washing), Safety Ambassador patrols (escorts, directions, vehicle jump-starts, 14–16 hours/day, 7 days/week), and homeless outreach through its Quality of Life Ambassador — alongside economic development programming for businesses and residents within its boundaries. Its core offerings include the Clean & Safe Program, Business Resources & Programs (ombudsman services, site selection, grand opening assistance, grants, micro-loans, educational workshops, networking events, market and economic reports), Signature Events (Taste of Downtown, DTLB Art + Design Walk, DTLB Live!, Paws on the Promenade, Spirit of Downtown Awards), Public Realm Programs (placemaking, street art, bike share, streetscape beautification), and the Downtown Scene Newsletter distributed biweekly. Technology components include an Interactive District Map, a Smart System Data Tracker for operational metrics, and a Downtown Nature Trail Map, all maintained as conventional web/database tools without disclosed API or AI capabilities.

Name

Downtown Long Beach

Legal name

Downtown Long Beach Alliance

Website

https://downtownlongbeach.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1937

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Downtown Long Beach Alliance is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit operating the PBID for Downtown Long Beach's 1.38-square-mile, 150-block district, providing Clean & Safe services, Safety Ambassadors, business resources, signature events, and placemaking to businesses, property owners, residents, and visitors.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Urban District Management

NAICS

Services to Buildings and Dwellings (5617), Convention and Visitors Bureaus (561591), Security Guards and Patrol Services (561612), Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation (71)

SIC

Services-To Dwellings & Other Buildings (7340), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Community Development & Neighborhood Revitalization (CDBG, Place-Based Initiatives) (BPAIANAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Convention Campus & District Operators (Integrated Venue Districts) (THAHAAAL), Affordable Housing & Community Development (Housing, Community Land Trusts) (BPAGALAC)

Keywords

• Urban district management
• Clean safe services
• Economic development programs
• Small business support
• Special event programming

Headquarters

HQ city

Long Beach

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. PBID/BID Assessments: The DTLB Alliance operates as a tenant-based Business Improvement District (BID) and Property Based Improvement District (PBID), funded by assessments on commercial and residential property owners and business tenants within the district boundaries. Property owners and business members pay assessment fees that fund Clean & Safe services, marketing, economic development, and district programming.
2. Event Sponsorships: The Alliance generates revenue through sponsorship of signature events including Taste of Downtown, DTLB Live!, and other programming. Corporate sponsors support events in exchange for branding visibility and marketing access to the downtown community.
3. Nonprofit Grants and City Funding: The DTLB Alliance is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization that receives grant funding from the City of Long Beach and other public sources to support economic development, small business programs, and district improvement initiatives. Programs include small business grants, micro loans, and neighborhood improvement grants of up to $5,000.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels13 records

Core offering

Downtown Long Beach Alliance (DTLB Alliance) is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization that operates the Downtown Property and Business Improvement District (PBID) covering 1.38 square miles, 150 blocks, and 6 neighborhoods in Long Beach, California. It provides Clean & Safe services (litter removal, graffiti abatement, pressure washing, Safety Ambassadors), economic development support for businesses (grants, loans, education, networking, permitting navigation), signature community events (Taste of Downtown, DTLB Live!, DTLB Art + Design Walk, Paws on the Promenade), public realm placemaking, and district marketing.

Product overview

Downtown Long Beach Alliance (DTLB Alliance) is a nonprofit business improvement district organization that provides a portfolio of programs and services rather than a unified technology product. Its core offerings center on district cleanliness and safety (Clean & Safe Teams), economic development (business resources, grants, loans, education workshops, and market reports), community events (Signature Events including Taste of Downtown, DTLB Art + Design Walk, DTLB Live!, Paws on the Promenade, and the Spirit of Downtown Awards), public realm management (street art, bike share, placemaking projects), and communications (the Downtown Scene Newsletter and Events Calendar). Business support programs include the Entrepreneur and Small Business Education Series, Webinar Wednesdays archive, and the Food Series. The organization also facilitates the EZ Sip Entertainment Zone program and maintains an Interactive District Map. The DTLB Alliance does not offer a technology product with API integrations, AI capabilities, or a SaaS platform architecture.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Clean & Safe Program
• Downtown Scene Newsletter
• Business Resources & Programs
• Signature Events
• Taste of Downtown
• Interactive District Map
• Grants & Loans Facilitation
• Entrepreneur and Small Business Education Series
• Webinar Wednesdays
• EZ Sip Entertainment Zone Events
• Walk DTLB & Nature Trail
• Public Realm Programs
• Events Calendar
• Diverse-Owned Business Support Programs
• Mug to Mug Networking
• Homeless Services Outreach

Quantifiable outcome

• 924,540 lbs of litter and debris removed from streets in 2024
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• KCRW (89.9 FM)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 August 2026KCRW Summer Nights is a strategic co-branding and programming partnership for the Taste of Downtown event. KCRW provides its renowned DJ lineup (Nassir Nassirzadeh, Raul Campos) and brand association to the event, which is held on Pine Avenue and The Promenade. The partnership extends DTLB's marketing reach into the Los Angeles media market and positions the event as a regional cultural attraction. The 2026 event is scheduled for August 22, 2026.
• Long Beach TransitcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong Beach Transit operates the Passport Bus (free weekend shuttle), AquaBus and AquaLink water taxis, and general bus service through the Transit Gallery in DTLB. These services connect downtown to major attractions (Queen Mary, Aquarium of the Pacific, Shoreline Village) and regional transit hubs including Long Beach Airport. The partnership enables visitor mobility throughout the district.
• Metro (LA Metro)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Metro A Line connects Downtown Long Beach to Downtown Los Angeles in a single ride, with four DTLB stations. The Alliance promotes transit use as part of its 'Getting Around' programming and collaborates on multimodal transportation advocacy for the district.
• Long Beach Bike ShareminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLong Beach Bike Share operates 25 bike share stations throughout Downtown Long Beach, enabling sustainable mobility for visitors and residents. The Alliance promotes bike share as part of its walkable/bikeable district messaging.
• Bikestation/Pedal MovementminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBikestation, operated by Pedal Movement, provides 24/7 secure bike parking near the Transit Gallery intersection of The Promenade and 1st Street, with additional services including rentals, repairs, and accessories.
• Long Beach State University — Institute of Innovation & EntrepreneurshipcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Alliance partners with Long Beach State University's Institute of Innovation & Entrepreneurship to deliver the Entrepreneur and Small Business Education Series, providing tools and skills for starting and running businesses. This academic partnership lends credibility to the Alliance's business development programming.
• Coffee DrunkminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCoffee Drunk, a Long Beach-based coffee chain, partnered with the DTLB Alliance for the Taste of Downtown event by distributing QR codes on cups at its Long Beach locations, allowing customers to pre-plan their Taste experience. The partnership leverages Coffee Drunk's customer base as a marketing channel for the event.
• Arts Council for Long BeachcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Arts Council for Long Beach cultivates arts in Long Beach neighborhoods and operates a Public Art Map covering Downtown murals, sculptures, and public art. The Alliance collaborates with the Arts Council on DTLB Art + Design Walk and other placemaking arts programming. Arts Council for Long Beach received the 2018 Spirit of Downtown Award.
• Long Beach City Departments (Special Events, Public Works, Police)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Alliance works closely with multiple City of Long Beach departments to operate programs including the Entertainment Zone (EZ Sip) pilot (City Council-approved June 2025), event permitting, Clean Team operations, and Safety Ambassador coordination with the Long Beach Police Department.
• East Village Arts DistrictcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe East Village Arts District is a key neighborhood partner for the Alliance, known for eclectic boutiques, vinyl shops, and independent businesses. Phil Applebee and Pat Paris-Appleby of the East Village Arts District received the 2019 Spirit of Downtown Award. The district is a major beneficiary of Alliance programming and marketing.
• Willmore City Heritage AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Willmore City Heritage Association preserves the history of the Willmore City historic district, the first historic district in Long Beach. The Alliance supports the neighborhood through the Walking Loop Cards program (Willmore City walking route of 2.4-3 miles) and references the Association's historical content in neighborhood marketing.
• City FabrickminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCity Fabrick is a local urban design studio that produced the Walking Loop Cards highlighting attractions and points of interest in four Downtown neighborhoods. Brian Ulaszewski of City Fabrick received the 2015 Spirit of Downtown Award.
• Beach Cities Health District / Multi-Service CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Alliance's Quality of Life Ambassador collaborates with the Multi-Service Center and other social service providers to connect individuals experiencing homelessness to housing, mental health treatment, substance abuse counseling, and job training. The Alliance shares outreach data and collaborates with city and community partners.
• Long Beach Rescue MissionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Long Beach Rescue Mission is referenced as a key partner for homeless services, continuing to offer services to the homeless community. The Alliance's Fresh Start Program collects towels and hygiene supplies for donation to local shelters including the Rescue Mission.
• e-Scooter Operators (Bird, Lime, VeoRide)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUnder the City of Long Beach Shared Micromobility Permit Program, Bird, Lime, and VeoRide each deploy up to 1,000 electric scooters throughout the city, including Downtown Long Beach. The Alliance promotes e-scooters as a transportation option in its Getting Around DTLB materials.
• South Bay One-Stop (Employment Training Subsidy)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerSouth Bay One-Stop offers employment training subsidies to businesses, referenced by the Alliance as a resource for DTLB businesses looking to train employees.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Old Pasadena Management District: Property-based business improvement district managing historic Old Pasadena with Clean & Safe services, signature events, marketing, and assessment funding. Closely mirrors DTLB Alliance's full-stack district management approach.
• Downtown Santa Monica Inc. BID/PBID-style nonprofit managing Downtown Santa Monica with similar Clean & Safe teams, events, business resources, and assessment-based funding. Directly comparable operating model serving a Southern California coastal downtown district.
• Downtown Center Business Improvement District (Los Angeles): Large BID managing Downtown Los Angeles with Clean & Safe operations, homeless outreach, events, and assessment-based funding. Directly comparable mandate and service portfolio, scaled to a much larger district.
• Pearl District Management Association (Portland): Self-sustaining nonprofit managing Portland's Pearl District with Clean & Safe teams, events, public realm improvements, and assessment-based funding. Comparable urban mixed-use district management mandate.
• Downtown Berkeley Association: Nonprofit BID managing Downtown Berkeley with similar district services including Clean & Safe teams, marketing, business support, and events. Comparable assessment-funded district management model.
• Gaslamp Quarter Association (San Diego): BID-style nonprofit managing the Gaslamp Quarter in Downtown San Diego with Clean & Safe services, events, district marketing, and PBID assessment funding. Direct functional peer in a Southern California urban entertainment district.

Others

• International Downtown Association: Industry association for BID/PBID organizations, downtown management entities, and place-based nonprofits. Not a competitor but the central membership body providing research, advocacy, and best practices that DTLB Alliance and similar districts rely on.
• Visit Long Beach: Destination marketing organization (DMO) for the broader Long Beach region, complementary to DTLB Alliance's district-level focus. Operates as a convention and visitors bureau promoting Long Beach tourism citywide.

Broad incumbents

• Downtown Austin Alliance: Nonprofit district management organization for Downtown Austin providing Clean & Safe services, economic development, and advocacy. Comparable BID-style operating model with a larger district scope.
• Downtown Denver Partnership: Established nonprofit managing Downtown Denver with economic development, planning, transportation, and placemaking services. Larger and broader in scope than DTLB Alliance but structurally similar as a BID-style district management organization.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/dlba
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCLSp879FyHamHI7yxlIZgBg
• Facebookfacebook.com/downtownlongbeach
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/downtown-long-beach-alliance
• Instagraminstagram.com/dtlballiance

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Downtown Long Beach