The goals and purpose of the Museum District Business Alliance revolve around making the area more attractive for businesses, residents, investors by improving the public enjoyment of the area and combating community deterioration within the neartown communities. This effort more specifically includes promoting "enterprise and the arts," both visual and performing, in the Montrose/Museum District.

The Alliance was organized in 1982 under the name, Neartown Business Alliance and has long enjoyed supportive relationships with it's residential neighbors and city officials. With help from the area residential umbrella support, The Neartown Association, and over 20 civic associations it has worked to enhance the image of the area locally and statewide. The Alliance was instrumental in in our community's receiving the "Museum District" designation from City Council. This official designation offers enormous promotional value for the city and Neartown businesses by attracting local and out-of-towns visitors.

As a 501(c)3 Organization, the Alliance sponsors the Neartown Police Community Center and has donated the title to the building at 802 Westheimer in behalf of the community. The Center was opened in December 1985 through a major combined fund raising and work and equipment donation effort. It was the first and is currently, the only "24 Hour", neighborhood Houston Police Department storefront in Houston.

The storefront is a shining example of how a 501(c)3 Organization can partner with the city to promote social welfare by addressing important community concerns, lessen neighborhood tensions, prevent many problems before they occur and offer alternative funding resources to lesson the burden on city government for community services.

The MDBA provides an educational forum for business issues and concerns and works to help solve them. Monthly Luncheon meetings and After-hours Membership Mixers offer excellent networking opportunities. Officers and directors are elected annually and serve on a volunteer basis. Dues are multi-tiered and include a special nominal category to allow for participation by non-profit organizations, small and new businesses.