downtowngalveston.org

The Historic Downtown Strand Seaport Partnership is a membership organization which means that membership dues are critical in supporting the day to day operations. Beyond the financial importance of being a dues paying member, is the fact that we are here to represent you, the business owner, professional or tax paying resident in the Downtown.

We currently have the following membership categories:

• $1,000+ Sustaining Membership**
• $500 Patron Membership**
• $200 Regular Business and Professional Membership
• $100 Recession Hardship Membership (for 2010, available to Regular Business & Professional Categories)
• $100 Associate Membership (non-voting member NOT located downtown)
• $50 Residential Membership (per household, for downtown residents only)

** For more information on becoming a Patron or Sustaining Member please contact Lesley Sommer, executive director at 409.763.7080.

Download the Membership Form and return to The Partnership. Have questions about membership? Give us a call and we'll be happy to talk more about it!

For Building Owners:
The Partnership Residential Tenant Membership Program

Introducing a great new way to engage your tenants in the historic downtown, and provide better access to a vibrant lifestyle. Provide your tenants with something special, a membership in The Partnership. Members receive notice of upcoming events & activities downtown, as well as important information about issues that affect the lives of downtown residents.

Download the Residential Tenant Membership Program enrollment forms.

Top Ten Reasons to be a Member of The Partnership

1. Focus: The Partnership is the only organization whose sole focus is on Galveston's 70+ block historic downtown including 350+ businesses, 400+ property owners, and 600+ residents throughout The Strand/Mechanic Historic District, Market, Postoffice & Church Streets, and the Seaport.

2. Marketing: The Partnership's NEW multi-media marketing programs developed in conjunction with the Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Downtown Shoppers' Guide, new informational website and more!

3. Business-Friendly Events: The Partnership's sponsored and endorsed events are designed to draw visitors and locals to downtown, enhancing business and not disrupting it! These include: Downtown Re-Birth-Day Celebration, Fourth of July Parade & Celebration, Galveston Uncorked! Wine Event, Downtown Farmers' Market, Galveston Island Bicycle Day, World Car Free Day, Downtown Lofts Tour, ARToberFEST, Movie Nite on the Strand, Music Nite on the Strand, Strand Christmas Tree Lighting, Santa By The Sea at Pier 21, and Galveston Harbor Parade of Lights.

4. Vision Moving Forward: The Partnership continues to tackle long-term planning and development for downtown, including our current initiative the "Galveston Downtown Redevelopment Plan". More than a study, this is an action plan to ensure that downtown develops a modern vibrant economy, is regionally competitive, and is a sustainable community. We need your input.

5. Advocacy: The Partnership is the voice for downtown, and meets regularly with the Mayor & Council, City Manager, Department Heads and TXDOT, to problem solve and affect systemic change. The Partnership's Executive Director serves on the City of Galveston Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee, the Intermodal Transportation Committee, the Livable Communities Initiative Subcommittee, the CVB Tourism Development Advisory Committee, and regularly attends meetings of the Parks Board. Our Board of Directors is actively engaged with City Boards and Commissions as well.

6. Lifestyle: The Partnership realizes the importance of enhancing downtown living through programs like the monthly Farmers' Market and new Movie Nite and Music Nite on the Strand, as well as promoting interaction with downtown residents by establishing resident "get togethers" and representation of residents on our standing committees.

7. Information: The Partnership disseminates information about important current issues affecting downtown to members through e-newsletters & e-briefs and other communiqués, and through organizing special forums like the District- 1 City Council Candidates Forum and the Downtown Small Business Network.

8. Efficiency: The Partnership maximizes your financial investment by leveraging volunteer investment and by partnering with organizations like the Convention & Visitors Bureau, Chamber of Commerce, Galveston Economic Development Partnership, Galveston Historical Foundation and others, to achieve goals for downtown.

9. Oversight: The Partnership keeps a watchful eye on major events and activities downtown and represents downtown interests at important forums, including the Tourism Development Advisory Committee meetings of the Parks Board which cover Mardi Gras concerns and the newly formed Steering Committee for the Lone Star Motorcycle Rally, and Parking Meter Advisory Committee.

10. FUN!: The Partnership members are exposed to opportunities to network, volunteer, work on task forces, and meet other downtown businesses & residents, and have fun while doing it!

We are working today for you and your business, AND we need your input!