City Council Minutes 1999 06 01 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Davidson called for Council comments and questions. Davidson explained that the City met with the Downtown Business Association and members of Progressive Urban Management Associates about this proposal. He stated that Progressive Urban Management Associates are extremely knowledgeable about downtown issues for small downtown areas like Louisville. He expressed support for the project and stated that it appears to be exactly what the City of Louisville needs. Davidson agreed that he asked to see significant commitment by the downtown businesses to participate in the project, which has been done. He recommended that Council present a grant to the Downtown Business Association in the amount of $13,487 to complete the project. Sisk thanked Ruskus for her willingness to work with the City of Louisville. Sisk stated that Council has discussed a private/public partnership and it appears that the Downtown Business Association has stepped forward with a proposal for one. He commended the Downtown Business Association for going beyond their borders to recruit support from individuals that are not typically seen as a part of the Downtown Business Association. He expressed support for the grant. Mayer agreed with Sisk. He stated that this project would mutually benefit the businesses and the City of Louisville by providing better information to help make more intelligent decisions as well as how to make the downtown businesses prosper. Keany commended Progressive Urban Management Associates for their ability to work together and build a consensus very quickly. He explained that there have been issues raised in earlier meetings with Progressive Urban Management Associates that could have caused a debate, however, Progressive Urban Management Associates quickly turned them into rallying points to work together towards a resolution of mutual benefit. Keany encouraged Council to whole-heartedly support this project and stated that it will benefit the City of Louisville, downtown Louisville and all the residents. Howard asked Progressive Urban Management Associates to explain the 'interpretive workshops' that are identified on their task list, and the City's benefit from the 'urban marketing tactics' and the 'economic development plan policies and procedures.' Ruskus explained that the goal is to establish an economic profile for downtown Louisville. She stated that this also includes looking for funding sources for downtown Lo.uisville, such as special improvement districts, etc. She explained that attendance at the workshops would be determined by the Downtown Business Association, based upon the target for that workshop. Ruskus stated that Progressive Urban Management Associates would also conduct one-on-one interviews with the downtown businesses, to determine why a business is successful or not. Howard asked Ruskus for clarification that the primary research would be focus groups and one-on-one interviews.