College Area Business District

The College Area Economic Development Corporation, commonly known as “College Area Business District” is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation. We serve as a small business advocacy organization meeting the needs of the business owners and commercial property owners in our district. The District boundaries are El Cajon Boulevard between 54th Street and 73rdStreet, on Montezuma Road north of El Cajon Boulevard and College Avenue north of El Cajon Boulevard up to and including the businesses on San Diego State University campus (See map).

Organized in 1996, the College Area Business District manages contracts with the City of San Diego for the Maintenance Assessment District (MAD) and the Business Improvement District (BID). Under the Maintenance Assessment District, we are responsible for maintaining the aesthetics within the boundaries of the College Heights MAD. The scope of work includes all landscaping maintenance of the medians, sidewalk sweeping, emptying the public trash receptacles, power washing the sidewalks removing graffiti, hanging seasonal street light pole banners and maintaining the hanging flower baskets.

The College Area Business District is responsible for promoting the district as a shopping and dining destination. Some of the promotional activities offered to our member businesses are Cooperative Advertising in local news publications, Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies, Press Releases to local news media and hosting special events such as the Boulevard BOO! Parade, “San Diego’s ONLY Halloween Parade” each October and College Area Food Experience (CAFÉ) in May. Each year we also host several socials, ribbon Cutting Ceremonies and educational workshops custom designed for our member businesses.

Our organization is governed by a 17 member volunteer Board of Directors elected annually by over 700 business owners and property owners within the district. The activities of the organization are guided by the various committees (See Committees).

The College Area Economic Development Corporation’s mission is to provide a united voice for our members and give each business owner the ability to flourish.