Meeting recap · September 9, 2026
Preparing for Art Walk
The September 9 meeting focused heavily on preparations for the upcoming Art Walk, which is planned to extend along Montana Avenue from Seventh Street to 17th Street. Organizers described a more distributed event format than in prior years, with activity areas, performances, wellness programming, family-oriented activities, food offerings, and merchant participation planned throughout the route.
Members emphasized that merchant involvement remains important. Businesses can use their own frontage within applicable sidewalk-clearance requirements, while event organizers continue to coordinate vendor placement and programming. The group also discussed promoting the event through paid social advertising and other local event-listing channels.
Restaurants and businesses interested in participating in the City’s entertainment zone were reminded that training is a first step in the approval process. Attendees noted that participation depends on completing the training and subsequent City review; businesses unable to attend would need to wait for a future training opportunity.
City updates and street concerns
A City representative shared information about a newly launched $5,000 microgrant program and related information sessions. The City also offered to provide further details to the association.
The meeting included several unresolved street and mobility concerns. Members raised visibility and safety issues near Whole Foods, including a damaged or poorly positioned “no left turn” sign and the possibility of physical barriers to discourage illegal turns. Concerns were also raised about recurring parking and congestion near Bread Head, particularly in areas described as fire lanes or red curbs. City staff said they would follow up with the appropriate mobility team.
Members also asked for an update on pedestrian-lighting and crosswalk improvements. No implementation timeline was confirmed during the meeting. The group further discussed sidewalk cleaning before Art Walk and agreed to seek a quote for equipment and labor so City staff could consider the request.
Holiday Walk date set
The board discussed the format and timing of this year’s holiday event, including whether Montana Avenue would remain open to vehicle traffic. After discussion, the group approved Saturday, December 5, 2026, from 3 to 6 p.m. for the Montana Avenue Holiday Walk.
The conversation included ideas for merchant activations, carolers, a tree-lighting ceremony, and possible holiday food and beverage offerings. These details were still under discussion. Merchants may choose their own operating hours and participation plans around the event.
Building Montana Avenue’s story
The association reviewed plans for a six-page feature in a November issue of L.A. Magazine. Rather than repeat a directory and map format, the group discussed using the space for photographs and editorial content about Montana Avenue. The board approved up to $1,000 for graphic design and writing support for the project, with the exact contributors still to be determined.
Members also reviewed website and social-media activity and discussed how events can bring visitors to Montana Avenue, its businesses, and its online directory. One proposed next step was to share practical event-participation ideas among merchants, potentially through future gatherings or communications.
