Building a vibrant Downtown for everyone

The Downtown Menlo Fund is working to revitalize the heart of Menlo Park through simple, high-impact improvements that make Downtown work better for residents, visitors, and businesses alike.

Downtown Menlo Park Vision

Our Three Priorities

We focus on simple, high-impact improvements across three key areas

DESIGN

Make it beautiful.
Clean streets. Attractive landscaping. Village charm.

VIBRANT RETAIL

Help businesses thrive.
Vibrant stores & restaurants. Build a strong business alliance. Attract what's next.

COMMUNITY

Bring people together.
Events that matter. Spaces that welcome. A Downtown that connects us.

Sample Projects

Every dollar raised goes directly to visible, tangible improvements

Business Association Launch

Creating a formal structure for local merchants to share resources and coordinate promotions.

Community Events

Supporting monthly events—live music, block parties, art walks—that bring people together.

Public Space Improvements

Enhancing parklets, seating, and pedestrian areas to encourage people to linger and connect.

Seasonal Planters & Greenery

Installing and maintaining colorful planters and native landscaping along Santa Cruz Avenue.

Public Art Installations

Partnering with local artists to bring murals, sculptures, and interactive art to underutilized spaces.

Wayfinding & Signage

Designing clean, consistent signage to help people navigate Downtown and discover local businesses.

How It Works

We work closely with the City of Menlo Park to coordinate efforts and ensure long-term success

1

Community Input

Projects are prioritized based on impact, feasibility, and community feedback

2

Fundraising

We raise money from individuals, local businesses, and grant partners

3

Implementation

Every dollar goes directly to projects, coordinated with city goals

Founded by Community

The Downtown Menlo Fund was founded by a group of engaged local residents who believe Downtown should reflect the best of Menlo Park. With backgrounds in business, real estate, technology, and public health, they came together to reimagine what's possible for Downtown.