An ambitious effort to expand what has been a tight definition of downtown Manteca for generations and then to have property owners tax themselves to fund everything from enhanced public safety and maintenance to marketing and special events is now underway.

The first step at trying to enlist widespread support is through a survey now being circulated among downtown commercial property and/or business owners as well as those who own or rent residential property in the central district. It is being coordinated by a consultant retained by the Manteca Redevelopment Agency to determine if there is adequate support to move forward with a property-based business improvement district.

The survey lists 11 areas that respondents are asked to rate as they view them in importance.

The categories and specific areas are:

•PUBLIC SAFETY: Bicycle and foot patrols, video monitoring, private “ambassadors”, reduce homelessness

•MAINTENANCE SERVICES: Sweep/power wash sidewalks, litter pick-up, landscaping/amenities, graffiti removal

•MARKETING: Collaborative advertising, community relations, market research

•SPECIAL EVENTS: Festival production, theme/historical events, ongoing events programming

•PLANNING & URBAN DESIGN: Vision/strategic plan, design assistance, codes and process reform

•ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: Business retention and recruitment, small business support, storefront renovation, market research

•DISTRICT IDENTITY: Gateways, wayfinding/signage, banners

•CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS: Sidewalk repair, enhanced lighting, public art, benches plus kiosks and amenities

•PARKING & MOBILITY: Improve parking management, employee parking initiatives, promote transit alternatives

•COMMUNICATION/ADVOCACY: Newsletter/website, represent downtown on issues

The steering committee consists of Brenda Franklin, Tipton’s; Gif Givens, Redi-Mark; Dana Solomon, Manteca Ambulance; Dana Jessee, property owner; Dean Stoker, property owner; Dr. Ricardo Cuevas, Manteca Dental; Jerry and Robyn Bartley, Ameriprise Financial; Ed Machado, property owner; Joe Kelley, Kelley Brothers Brewing Co.; Pat and Betty Farrell, property owners; Renee Kee, Ed’s Rockery; Sami Guedoir, Century Furniture; Shawn Nussbaumer, J&J Printing; Shelley Kohl, Precision Automotive; and Willie Holland, Tammy’s Baby Shoppe.