The Downtown Community Planning Council (DCPC), formerly named the Centre City Advisory Committee (CCAC), will hold its election for new members on March 17 and 18.

The polls will be open from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Monday, March 17 and from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM on Tuesday, March 18. Voting will take place at the 9th floor Shiley Suite of the new Central Library, located at 330 Park Blvd. Voters are encouraged to walk or take the Trolley, but should be reminded that the Library will validate parking for up to 2 hours if they opt to drive.

The DCPC serves as the official planning group for Downtown San Diego. The group is made up of 27 volunteers, each elected for a 2-year term to represent Downtown homeowners and tenants, commercial property owners and businesses, charitable, civic and cultural groups. The group provides a means for public participation relating to the growth and development of Downtown and serves as a communications link to the Civic San Diego Board, the Planning Commission, and City Council.

Once a month, the DCPC meets to review design proposals, conditional use permits, development and loan agreements and other downtown development policies and programs. Affordable housing, parking, transportation needs, street lighting, homelessness and social issues are just some of the subjects discussed.

There are 13 seats up for election this year:

Core Columbia Business Owner (2)
Cortez Business Owner
Cortez Residential Owner Occupant
Cortez Residential Tenant
East Village Business Owner
East Village Residential Tenant
Gaslamp Business Owner
Horton Residential Tenant or Owner Occupant
Marina Residential Owner Occupant (2)
Marina Residential Tenant
Charitable Organization

Those interested in meeting the candidates may attend the free Candidates‘ Forum at 6:00 PM on Monday, March 17 at the Shiley Special Events Suite at The Central Library, 330 Park Blvd. While there won’t be any green beer or corned beef served, attendees are assured they’ll still have plenty of time to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day following the event.

Given the unique candidate and voter eligibility rules associated with community planning groups, interested parties are encouraged to find more information, including registration forms, at the website listed.