Better in Bernal (Bernal Business & Arts Alliance - BBAA)

Better in Bernal (Bernal Business & Arts Alliance – BBAA)

Website: https://www.betterinbernal.com/

Location: Bernal Heights, San Francisco, CA

Category: Bernal Heights Merchant Association

Better in Bernal is the digital home of the Bernal Business & Arts Alliance (BBAA), a non-profit dedicated to the economic and cultural vitality of the Bernal Heights neighborhood. The organization serves as a central bridge connecting local “mom-and-pop” merchants, independent artists, and residents. Its mission is to preserve the unique, village-like character of the hill while fostering a thriving local economy through collaborative events, sustainable practices, and community-led promotions.

Core Initiatives & Community Impact

Economic Vitality & Foot Traffic

The alliance aggressively promotes local commerce to ensure that Bernal Heights remains a destination for diverse dining, specialty retail, and artisan services. By organizing neighborhood-wide events and seasonal promotions, Better in Bernal helps maintain the “zero big-brand” identity of the neighborhood, ensuring resident spending stays within the community and empowering local owners.

Arts & Creative Advocacy

Better in Bernal champions the neighborhood’s deep artistic roots by providing platforms for creatives to showcase their work. This includes coordinating with local galleries, boutiques, and public spaces to integrate art into the neighborhood’s daily experience, making the hill a destination for culture as much as for its views.

Sustainable Neighborhood Growth

The organization advocates for eco-friendly business operations and mindful urban growth. This involves supporting initiatives that preserve the neighborhood’s historic architecture and natural refuges, ensuring that development is sustainable and respects the area’s authentic charm for future generations.
Strategic Community Collaboration

Acting as a facilitator for collective action, Better in Bernal brings together diverse stakeholders, from the restaurants of Cortland Avenue to the service providers of Mission Street, to address shared challenges such as pedestrian safety, merchant visibility, and community connectivity.

Membership & Engagement

Better in Bernal operates a membership model for local businesses and residents who wish to actively participate in the neighborhood’s stewardship. Members receive access to engaging promotional opportunities, local networking events, and a unified voice in city-wide discussions regarding neighborhood ambiance and economic support.

Note: Better in Bernal works closely with other local digital hubs, such as Bernal Connect and the Mission Bernal Merchant Association, to ensure the neighborhood remains connected and discoverable in the modern digital landscape.

CORTLAND AVENUE: THE MAIN STREET THAT TIME COULDN’T TAME