JOIN
PAMA collects an annual $120 - $300 sliding scale fee from all neighborhood businesses to put towards street-sweeping, promotion, communication, safety, and events. See the benefits of joining PAMA below!
There are two ways you can pay:
ABOUT
The Piedmont Avenue Merchant Association or PAMA is a non-profit 501(c)6 volunteer-run organization that has been around since 1939. PAMA is made up of local business owners and volunteers from the Piedmont Avenue business district in Oakland, California. PAMA’s focus is on the well-being of all Piedmont Avenue businesses & making neighborhood improvements.
MISSION
PAMA’s mission is to collectively focus on addressing issues affecting all businesses, make improvements, promote safety, and strive to make Piedmont Avenue a thriving destination for the greater community to shop, dine and enjoy. We believe each business, no matter how small, makes a huge difference and plays an important role in the success and appeal of our neighborhood and community.
Benefits
Membership fees go to many services and events that help keep our neighborhood clean, safe, and well promoted. Here are some examples of the benefits you receive as a PAMA member:
Business Promotion: All PAMA members will get their businesses listed on the piedmontavenue.org website. Special events can be promoted on the Happenings page of the website and through the PAMA newsletter. Your business can also be promoted on Instagram @piedmontavenue_oakland and Facebook @PiedmontAvenueMerchantsAssociation. Promotional flyers can also be posted at the kiosk located at Key Route Plaza.
Clean Sweep Program: This program started in the 1980’s and pay for two people to sweep sidewalks & streets, report graffiti sightings to the city, and do some tree maintenance six day per week (from MacArthur to Pleasant Valley Road, along Piedmont Ave).
Funding for Events: The annual Halloween parade is in its 36th year and is a well-attended community event. This event brings families to the avenue and gives back to our community. The annual Holiday Tree Lighting event has been going on for 15+ years and includes Santa for the kids, refreshments, and local performers. Our Events Committee has many more new events that will be added to our lineup soon. Stay tuned!
Improvements to the Neighborhood: Upcoming projects could range from making banners for events, decorating the trash cans, replacing damaged trees, hiring security, and more.
Receive the PAMA Monthly Newsletter with important neighborhood & city info: PAMA communicates regularly with City representatives, OPD, and other Oakland neighborhood associations and then shares that information with PAMA members.
Enjoy bi-monthly Mixer/Meeting invitations: PAMA hosts fun events at local businesses with refreshments and more. It’s a great way to meet fellow business owners in your community.
our neighborhood and community.
Membership Fees
We ask that all businesses pay $300 for a yearly membership but as of 5/31/24, we are revising the membership dues to a sliding scale of $120 - $300 annually (see below). We understand that paying $300 can be difficult for some, so we are hoping that having lower fees for joining would encourage new members. If you can afford $300, please pay that amount, as part of the success of the organization is contingent on our budget. Thank you!
Examples of sliding scale membership:
$120 ($12 per month) - For new businesses, businesses in their first few years, struggling businesses, or micro-businesses (solo practitioner).
$204 ($17 per month) - For established, but smaller businesses (1- 3 employees) or large businesses that are struggling, or businesses above 51st on Piedmont Ave. who do not receive the street sweep.
$300 ($25 per month) - Established businesses and larger corporations.
Questions/Concerns or want to get our newsletter: Send us an email at info@piedmontavenue.org
