Downtown Partnership Committees

Joining a Committee

Members have the opportunity to engage with a variety of committees dedicated to bolstering Downtown San Diego. Whether your interest lies in public policy, placemaking, finance, quality of life, events or community enhancement, we have a platform for you to share your ideas to shape the future of our community.  

If you are a member and would like to be added to the email list and calendar invitations for these committees, please click the “Sign-up” button below to be connected to the appropriate DSDP staff.   

POLICY COMMITTEE 

This group is responsible to oversee land use and public policy items, issues, and projects that may impact the Downtown Partnership and to make such recommendations to the Board of Directors on matters pertaining to legislative positions, stances, and advocacy measures as it may deem necessary and appropriate. 

Time & Frequency: Second Thursday of the Month, 8 – 9:30 a.m.  

Location: 401 B Street, Suite 100 (Downtown Partnership Office) 

Committee Leadership 

Chair: Elly Maienschein, Sharp HealthCare 

Vice Chair: Ken Moore, Intesa Communications Group 

Staff lead: Josh Callery-Coyne

MEMBERSHIP RECRUITMENT & RETENTION COMMITTEE

This group is responsible for supporting and identifying opportunities for potential member recruitment and current member retention efforts. They will also participate in the new and current member orientations and open houses. 

Time & Frequency: Bi-Monthly   

Location: 401 B Street, Suite 100 (Downtown Partnership Office) 

Committee Leadership 

Staff lead: Kaitlin Payne 

FINANCE COMMITTEE

This group is responsible for reviewing and providing guidance for the Downtown Partnership’s financial matters. Specifically, the committee reviews and assures internal controls processes and financial analysis for the organization. Primary focus points are as follows: maintaining accurate and complete financial records, preparing and presenting accurate, timely and meaningful financial statements to the board, helping the board understand the organization’s finances, budgeting and anticipating financial problems, safeguarding the organization’s assets, and complying with federal, state and other reporting requirements.    

Time & Frequency: Quarterly and during budget season (more frequently from January – March)    

Location: Zoom 

Chair: Michele Vives, Douglas Wilson Companies

Staff lead: Terri Johnson & Justin Apger  

AUDIT COMMITTEE

This group is responsible for the review and approval of the annual audit. A critical function of the audit committee is to oversee the organization’s internal controls and risk-management procedures. The audit committee becomes an extension of the board to assure proper financial management is in place. To carry out that function, the audit committee will meet with both management and the organization’s auditors to gain an understanding of any risks or exposures facing the organization.   

Time & Frequency: Annually (November)  

Location: Zoom  

Committee Leadership 

Chair: Keith B. Jones, ACE Parking 

Staff: Justin Apger & Terri Johnson 

COMMITTEE ON DOWNTOWN HOMELESSNESS

This committee is a subgroup of the Policy Committee and meets to brainstorm different advocacy and philanthropic avenues that can be used to reduce the number and duration of people experiencing homelessness in Downtown San Diego.  

Time & Frequency: Quarterly  

Location: Zoom  

Committee Leadership 

Chair: Steve Cushman, Cush Enterprises  

Staff lead: Josh Callery-Coyne

POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE (PAC)

Voluntary non-partisan political action committee with a focus on candidates and initiatives that further the Downtown Partnership’s mission to promote an economically prosperous and culturally vibrant urban center. The Downtown San Diego Partnership PAC supports ballot initiatives and legislative champions that will prioritize economic development, reduce homelessness, and market Downtown to attract, connect, and retain talent. 

Time & Frequency: Monthly, or as needed 

Location: Zoom 

Committee Leadership

Chair: James Lawson, Presidio Public Affairs Group  

Staff lead: Josh Callery-Coyne

GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE

This standing committee of the board is charged with overseeing the organization’s overall board development and governance efforts, with a focus on recruitment, engagement and retention of board members, in addition to monitoring the oversight function. 

Time & Frequency: Quarterly or as needed 

Location: Zoom  

Committee Leadership 

Chair: Daniel Reeves, Juniper Strategic Advisory 

Vice Chair: Heather Riley, Allen Matkins 

Staff lead: Justin Apger & Kaitlin Payne 

CLEAN & SAFE ADVISORY BOARD

The DSDP Clean & Safe program provides enhanced maintenance and safety services, additional beautification efforts, a best practice unhoused care program, and marketing above and beyond the services otherwise available through existing government entities.      

Time & Frequency: 8:30 AM, Bi-Monthly   

Committee Leadership 

Chair: Doug Korn, THE US GRANT, A Luxury Collection Hotel 

Treasurer: LC Kline  

Staff lead: Alonso Vivas 

SAFETY NETWORK TASKFORCE

The Downtown San Diego Partnership Clean and Safe Program holds a monthly virtual meeting with hotels, small businesses, property management, security personnel, and partnering government agencies.   

Time & Frequency: Monthly  

Committee Leadership 

Staff lead: Dani Garcia 

CULTURAL VITALITY, PLACEMAKING AND EVENTS COMMITTEE

The Committee’s primary focus is to create a vibrant and enjoyable outdoor Downtown experience that celebrates the city’s diverse cultures and encourages socializing, gathering, and interaction among residents, employees, and visitors. By working closely with the Downtown Partnership staff, the Committee will pursue a comprehensive approach to achieve organizational goals to establish America’s Outdoor Downtown.

Time & Frequency: Bi-Monthly   

Location: 401 B Street, Suite 100 (Downtown Partnership Office)

Committee Leadership 

Staff lead: Sean Warner & Kathryn Newstead 

COMMERCIAL ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM (CEP)

The Downtown San Diego’s Commercial Enhancement Program (CEP) committee represents commercial properties of more than 50,000 square feet of commercial leasable space throughout Downtown with the goal of marketing the CEP properties and the Downtown market for greater tenant attraction and retention.

Time & Frequency: Quarterly   

Committee Leadership 

Staff lead: Sarah Brothers & Nathan Bishop