What would we do if we didn’t embrace change? Making changes keeps us fresh, vibrant and on our toes. And we’re certainly keeping on our toes here at the Business Improvement District.
It’s only February, and we’re looking at a full plate of activities for 2015 designed to fulfill our mission: To help sustain the economic vitality of the district – which is downtown and all the way up north Main Avenue.
Remember this is national Random Acts of Kindness Week, so BID is taking this opportunity to “kindly” reward folks who shop in the district with our own “random act of kindness.” In partnership with Bank of Colorado, we are giving out gift cards to 10 lucky shoppers each day to thank them for shopping locally. The promotion ends Friday, so if you’ve been meaning to come on down and shop, do it now.
To continue our effort in parking education, BID will reprise its free parking giveaway program twice during 2015. In cooperation with downtown merchants, who will take sign-ups in their stores, BID will give away 100 parking “smart” cards at the end of April and November. The cards will be worth $20, and can be used in all downtown meters – so, in essence, that is $20 of free parking downtown.
BID also is exploring feasibility of an Urban Renewal Authority, a URA, and/or a Downtown Development Authority, a DDA. Both structures would be designed to enhance sections of town such as north Main and the riverfront, improve access to businesses and increase walkability, to name just a few ideas. The URA and DDA have different requirements and legal stipulations, but the idea is to expand the “charm” of downtown, and, as stated, make these different areas more welcoming to visitors and locals alike.
BID has agreed to take over coordination of the Fourth of July festivities. It’s not too early to arrange to partner on an event during the day to make Durango’s “Salute to America” day even bigger and better. Give me a call, 375-5068, to get involved.
Oktoberfest and Singing with Santa will return, and additional ideas are also in the offing.
Finally, as a note to community members who attend our monthly BID Coffee & Conversation, the BCC is moving to a new home: First National Bank of Durango, 259 West Ninth St. in downtown. Because of new scheduling conflicts with the city of Durango, the City Council Chambers are no longer available to us on the second Friday of the month.
Everyone is invited to Coffee & Conversation from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Friday. It will be held in the bank’s downstairs conference room. Come for complimentary coffee and pastries, courtesy FNB – plus networking and an update on our ever-evolving downtown parking efforts.
Keep current on BID activities through our weekly BID E-news. Visit www.downtowndurango.org/newsletter to sign up.
timw@downtowndurango.org. Tim Walsworth is the executive director of the Durango Business Improvement District.
