The Hayward City Council received an update about all things downtown from the Downtown Hayward Improvement Association (DHIA). The team works with city staff on finding ways to make downtown a destination for food, fun and a place to explore.
The March 17 presentation, led by DHIA executive director Marco Li Mandri and assistant district manager Nick Yoo, covered sidewalk cleaning, upcoming events and vacant buildings.
The Taste of Hayward event held for the first time last year was a hit. Li Mandri said they were surprised it sold out quickly. The event offered participants samples from 20 restaurants in Downtown Hayward. Yoo said they plan to sell more tickets when the event happens again this October.
There is an ongoing trash receptacle decorating contest for local artists. The chosen graphic designers are offered compensation and artist exposure on the downtown hayward website.
The DHIA is collaborating with event planner West Coast Makers on a Juneteenth Festival, a Latin Jazz Festival and possible Night Markets in the fall.
Councilmember Francisco Zermeño requested DHIA to continue talks with property managers on filling vacant buildings with businesses. He pointed out the property next to Cookies Hayward Dispensary, which has been vacant for over 30 years, and the property across from Casa Del Toro.
Hayward city staff is working with DHIA to create paid parking programs. Some examples of this would be two-hour parking limits. They are also working on making the downtown parking structures a safe place to park.
Councilmember Angela Andrews asked about collaborating with local influencers on social media and starting up monthly events. Li Mandri said they are looking into making Heritage Plaza an event venue.
Mayor Mark Salinas thanked DHIA for saying nothing but positive things about the downtown area. “Our downtown, people love to hate it,” he said. “When they’re talking and they’re making their comments about downtown, one thing that we can say right here, unequivocally, is that we have people dedicated to this downtown.”
