Join WABA

Be on the leading edge of the future and expansion of West Alameda. Join the West Alameda Business Association.

The West Alameda Business Association is dedicated to supporting and promoting local businesses in West Alameda in order to promote a vibrant business and community environment.

Join this influential association of businesses — in an up-and-coming Bay Area commercial corridor — who are focused on building connections between businesses, helping you reach new audiences, and facilitating the community spirit that defines Alameda Island. WABA serves as an advocate for the businesses and neighborhoods in the West End of Alameda, and your voice is important to us.

 
 

annual MEMBERSHIP LEVELS:

  • $100: Non-Profits & Solopreneurs

  • $150: 2-10 Employees

  • $250: 11-15 Employees

  • $375: 16-49 Employees

  • $575: 50+ Employees

Businesses located in the district will be assessed an annual fee by the City of Alameda paid when you do your business taxes. all other businesses should contact us about becoming a member.

 

Benefits of Membership

 

Directory

Your business will be added to our comprehensive directory of West End businesses.

Stay Informed

Receive members-only communications about upcoming events, grants, security/safety, marketing, and. more.

Publicity

Promoting your business and other commercial activity through events, advertising, social media, and more.

 
 

Networking

Mix and mingle with fellow business and property owners in the district to make meaningful connections.

Voice

Have your voice heard as WABA advocates for solutions to pressing needs and a long-term vision.

Marketing

Discover ways to promote your business through sponsorships and paid advertising programs.

 

Design Review Committee (DRC)

WABA works with businesses, new and existing, to maintain the historic character of Webster Street by reviewing their plans and proposals. Many hours are invested in the active participation in the housing element of the general plan, working with Andrew Thomas, the City of Alameda, and the Planning Board on height and density concerns.

WABA is unwavering in our support for housing development, and in particular, more affordable housing within our district. We support creative, innovative ideas with no density limits and will work on a solution that helps the city bring in even more housing than required while preserving the charm and feel of the Historic Webster Street District between Central and Lincoln.

Webster Street still retains many of distinctive late 19th and early 20th century buildings. These give much of Webster Street the image of a traditional business district with a historic appeal. Permits filed with the City of Alameda for changes to existing buildings, new construction, signs, and updates to the storefronts will also be reviewed by the Design Committee of West Alameda Business Association for comments and approval by comparison to the Webster Street Design Manual.

The Webster Street Design Manual seeks to enhance this traditional image.

WABA's Design Committee members are available to help businesses and property owners with guidance to make the design approval process easier during and after the design concept. Please contact Linda Asbury, Executive Director, for more information at (510) 523-5955 or Elissa@WestAlamedaBusiness.com.

Want to Display Temporary Signage?

Although the City does not require a permit for temporary signs, there are still code enforcement guidelines that need to be followed. The rules are in place to uphold the attractiveness and safety of the district. These are a few of the most common rules:

  • Portable Freestanding Signs (“A” Frame Signs) must be kept within the first 3 feet of the business’ building face. The maximum size is 4 ft in height and 3 ft in width.

  • Window Signs cannot be larger than 10 sq ft, and should not occupy more than 25% of the area of any one window.
    Sale Signs / Grand Opening Signs are only allowed for a maximum of 30 consecutive days.

Temporary signage regulations can be found in the Alameda Municipal Code (AMC) Chapter 30-6 Sign Regulations: municode.com/library/ca/alameda.