Under the guidance of the Centre City Development Corporation, public and private investment dollars continue to revitalize the area. The Gaslamp Quarter Association works tirelessly to promote the district's development while the Gaslamp Quarter Foundation devotes time and energy to preserve the historic character.

The Gaslamp Quarter Association represents a diverse group of more than 380 businesses located in the 16 block historic district in downtown San Diego. The Gaslamp Quarter was named an entertainment district in 1989 and is now home to more than 65 restaurants, coffeehouses and night clubs. So whether you opt for traditional food with a flair or something a bit off the beaten menu path, your visit to the Gaslamp Quarter will be a gastronomic tour of San Diego's historic downtown district. Gaslamp Quarter restaurants could constitute a mini-United Nations in their mix of cultural diversity representing the food and flavor of the Mediterranean, India, Spain, Mexico, Japan, China and the United States.

Antiquing, boutiquing and shopping the local art galleries is another favorite pastime of those visiting the area. Visitors can get around the area by foot, or on guided tours by a local historic trolley company, turn of the century cars or in a horse drawn carriage. There is always something happening in the Gaslamp Quarter.

Mission Statement: To promote and improve the business, economic and social environment of the Gaslamp Quarter Historic District. To preserve and enhance the existing sense of community within the Gaslamp Quarter. To promote the Gaslamp Quarter as an integral part of the growing tourist and convention industry of the City of San Diego. The Gaslamp Quarter Association Board of Directors consists of 20 individuals either owning or affiliated with a business in the Gaslamp Quarter which possess a current San Diego business tax certificate and which pay the BID fee, or individuals who live or own property in the Gaslamp Quarter.

The GQA has 7 active committees including Finance, Land Use & Planning (LUP), Special Events, Restaurants, Arts (to become Retailer in 1995), Advertising & Marketing and Government Relations. Additional committees and task forces are organized as needed.

The GQA has one part-time administrative assistant and a part-time consultant who serves as the executive director. The GQA depends on a volunteer base which includes committee members, "Ambassadors" and 2-3 student interns majoring in journalism, marketing and political science to help implement programs established by the board of directors.

For more information regarding the Gaslamp Quarter, contact the Gaslamp Quarter Association at (619) 233-5227 or call the Gaslamp Quarter Hotline at (619) 233-4691. You can also send email to gqbid@electriciti.com.