Helping A City Raise Awareness Around Social-distancing With A Rap

Burlingame, Calif - August 21, 2020 - The DBID (Burlingame Downtown Business Improvement District) collaborates with local high school student, Adam Hilt, who wrote and performed a creative rap video to reinforce the message of wearing masks, social distancing and shopping local in support of the Downtown Burlingame business community during the coronavirus pandemic.



San Mateo County rolled back openings under orders from the State on August 3rd, 2020 due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. Many indoor businesses in San Mateo County were told to close or move outdoors because of spiking numbers of COVID-19 and in an effort to slow the transmission, all establishments are under a mandate to maintain a ‘no face mask, no entry’ policy.

Despite the mandate, reports rolled in about the lack of masks and under the stress of current economic condition, the DBID launched a campaign to take the pressure off businesses to communicate this message to their patrons.

“It was important for the DBID to continue to broadcast and reinforce the message, but do so in a fun and upbeat style that incorporates humor. We understand that everyone is on edge and we don’t want our patrons to receive negative media as we enforce these necessary guidelines but rather, join us wholeheartedly in prioritizing the protection and safety of our community” says Siri Casper who is the Marketing Specialist at the DBID. 

To lighten the mood, but firmly broadcast the message of practicing social distancing and wearing personal protective equipment, the DBID teamed up with a talented local high-schooler, Adam Hilt. Adam volunteered his creative skillset, writing and performing a short rap which has since been dubbed “The Burlingame Rap.”  

The creative piece, produced by the DBID, is a small example of how the organization is working tirelessly to support local merchants while keeping the health and safety of the public top-of-mind. The project’s goal was to reinforce the safety protocols and to remind people of the importance of supporting local businesses all while creating a campaign that is fun and engaging. 

The Burlingame Downtown Business Improvement District in Burlingame, California is led by a volunteer board comprised of local business owners and is responsible for the marketing of the Downtown Burlingame Businesses and communication between the City of Burlingame and businesses within the district limits.