DRA is an award-winning nonprofit organization whose mission is to continue the revitalization of Raleigh’s downtown by enhancing its quality of life and contributing to its economic success. Founded in 1996, the Downtown Raleigh Alliance (DRA) serves as the administrator of the Downtown Raleigh Municipal Services District (MSD), which is a defined special assessment district in which property owners contribute toward enhanced services. The management and maintenance of the public realm, via the Ambassador program and Team Downtown Raleigh, account for some of the major investments made possible through the MSD. Other program investments include storefront recruitment, business retention, and community engagement programs. The DRA also leverages MSD funds in a variety of ways through marketing, communications, and promotional campaigns to attract more customers to support the development of the district.