The Pleasanton Downtown Association’s newly installed executive director, Zac Grant, recently announced the association's 2021 Main Street America and California Main Street accreditation.

Pleasanton is one of 888 communities across the country selected for the 2021 Main Street America "special mark of distinction" that, according to the program organizers recognizes, "a proven track record for celebrating community character, preserving local history, and generating impressive economic returns." Fewer than 20% of U.S. cities over 5,000 population are so designated.

“As we reopen and recover from the pandemic, Pleasanton’s downtown is bouncing back with vigor,” Grant said. “Despite the pandemic hardships, our downtown still welcomed several new businesses, and as our community recovers the PDA is eager to continue the momentum of new growth, welcome the return of downtown events, and forge new partnership opportunities.”

The PDA and the City of Pleasanton have collaborated on important programs to address COVID-19-related economic impact on local businesses. Most notable has been “Weekends on Main,” during which portions of Main Street are closed to vehicle traffic and opened for pedestrian access, sidewalk shopping, and expanded outdoor dining.

Grant was recently named the PDA’s executive director, succeeding Tiffany Cadrette who stepped down in April for a new job as a marketing and communications manager for the Alameda County Fairgrounds.

He joins PDA after a productive career in event production and engagement development, bringing in $77 million in sponsorship sales for various groups including the LPGA, PGA TOUR and the College Football Hall of Fame.

He was executive producer of sponsored events for dozens of affiliated corporate partners. Grant looks to apply his experience to enable the PDA to resume beloved events and activities such as “Concerts in the Park” along with creative

new promotions.

“The tenets of the Main Street America designation are what makes our downtown a distinct place and a destination in the region,” said Pleasanton's City Manager Nelson Fialho, who accepted the accreditation on behalf of the mayor and city council. “Led by the mayor and council, the city looks forward to working with Zac and supporting PDA as our downtown comes back into full swing.”