Live, work, shop or dine; a great place to gather as a community!
What is the St. Johns Principal Shopping District and Downtown Development Authority?
Shopping in Downtown St. Johns
The St. Johns Principal Shopping District (PSD) is a non-profit board of the City of St. Johns, formed in 1998 to represent the interests of businesses and property owners within the Downtown Central Business District. It is funded by means of a special assessment that helps pay for administrative costs and district improvements.
In 2005 the PSD, in collaboration with the City of St. Johns, formed a Downtown Development Authority (DDA) to work hand-in-hand with the Principal Shopping District. The DDA is an authority that works closely with the City of St. Johns to improve the district and to assist it in remaining economically viable. The DDA receives its revenue through Tax Increment Financing.
The PSD/DDA focuses on recruiting new businesses, creating a climate conducive to Downtown vitality, encouraging economic growth, and developing special events that attract people (and potential customers, clients and businesses) to Downtown. Both organizations consist of the same Board of Directors and Executive Director working towards the betterment of the St. Johns Central Business District.
Dining in Downtown St. Johns
The St. Johns Principal Shopping District (PSD) and Downtown Development Authority (DDA) have five active committees through which most of its work is done by volunteers of the district. They are:
Business Development, Retention and Recruitment
Marketing
Events
Parking, Maintenance and Security
Executive, Finance and Strategic Planning
Its only paid position is that of Executive Director, which is a part time position (15-20 hours per week). The PSD/DDA also receives great assistance from the staff of the City of St. Johns, and its office is located within the City offices free of charge.
It is our goal to promote and highlight the many benefits of Downtown St. Johns by presenting a positive image to customers, potential investors, businesses, local citizens and visitors through special events and marketing campaigns. We wish to encourage shopping and investment in the downtown district. Marketing the historical roots of our downtown and emphasizing our attributes (such as distinctive architecture, our beautiful street-scape, and businesses of local ownership offering personal service) works towards creating an economic strategy to ensure its sustainability and improve consumer and investor confidence in the area.
