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Briefly explain your interest in serving on the Revitalization Commission.
<br />Alexis Adler
<br />Since buying a home in Louisville with my husband three years ago, I have developed a deep connection with my city and neighborhood community. I am committed to Louisville's vitality and
<br />am eager to be a part of its future. My interest in serving on the Louisville Revitalization Commission (LRC) stems from my passion for contributing to my community's vitality and sustainability,
<br />and my educational and professional experience in Colorado's public and nonprofit sectors. Since moving to Boulder County eight years ago, I have observed the City of Louisville develop its
<br />residential and commercial areas and stimulate local growth. As a resident, business owner, and young professional committed to raising a family in this community, I am eager to bring my
<br />enthusiasm and expertise in economic development, local government, social entrepreneurship, and community building in Boulder County, to offer recommendations for revitalization efforts.
<br />If appointed to the LRC, I look forward to integrating the skills I have gained through my Master's in Public Administration and professional experience working for and partnering with local
<br />governments including the City of Boulder, City of Fort Collins, and City of Denver, and public universities including the University of Colorado Boulder and Colorado State University. My
<br />interest in serving on the LRC intersects with my personal and professional drive to spur innovation and collaboration among diverse groups. My volunteer experience serving as Vice -Chair of
<br />Boulder's University Hill Commercial Area Management Commission, launching a sister city program, coordinating community education, and collaborating with Boulder Startup Week equips
<br />me to serve the Louisville community on the Revitalization Commission.
<br />I hope for the opportunity to contribute my perspective and experience in the continued development of the Highway 42 Revitalization Area, the proposed 550 S. McCaslin Urban Renewal
<br />Plan, redevelopment of the McCaslin corridor, and other initiatives important to the community. It would be my honor to serve the City of Louisville in this capacity and to assist in the
<br />stimulation of growth, while maintaining a sustainable community.
<br />Sherry Sommer
<br />"What is the shared vision of the Council and the LRC? We need a better vision of how money will be invested." This was Dennis' observation following impassioned discussion of the LRC's
<br />proposed parking structure. Common vision is exactly what is needed to move forward. I believe it is completely possible for the LRC to identify and pursue projects which fulfill the mandate of
<br />the Urban Renewal Districts and which the public and Council will support. I'd like to be a part of this work.
<br />I would add value to the Commission's conversation because my views represent what a huge percentage of the population would like to see happen in Louisville. These views are not
<br />currently represented by the LRC. What I hear the public asking for, and what I also would like to see in the area, is greater connectivity, scale of development that fits our small town, and
<br />forward looking transportation solutions. These are ideas that I believe would not only enhance the quality of life for current residents, but would also contribute to long term economic vitality,
<br />which is the mission of the LRC. Louisville attracts both residents and nonresidents alike because of its charm, scale, and safety. These are qualities that need to be protected and which will
<br />benefit business in the long run. The gap between what the LRC can propose and what the community wants can be bridged.
<br />Additionally, directions city staff have proposed seem completely reasonable from my perspective and I believe they would have strong public support. Somehow these views need to be heard
<br />and responded to. Earlier this year Aaron DeJong proposed several ideas for the LRC to consider adding to their latest budget — streetscaping in downtown, improved safety along Highway
<br />42, and an underpass under 42. The parking garage was the primary project on the table but other promising opportunities need to be explored as well. These can be looked at in the future.
<br />In spite of the disconnect we saw in the parking structure discussion, I believe there is a lot of room for common ground between the LRC, the public, Council, and city staff. It would be
<br />gratifying to work toward providing improvements that many people in our community would support and benefit from.
<br />Darryl LaRue
<br />I moved to Louisville a little over 5 years ago. The majority of my life was spent on the coasts, specifically NY and LA. While it is somewhat of a long story, the only reason I moved to the area
<br />was one fateful day when I, my wife and two kids (1 and 4 at the time) stumbled on Sweet Cow in Louisville. We had already made a decision not to move to the area because we had spent
<br />most of our time during that visit in Boulder. Louisville changed our minds...
<br />5 years later, I have seen some of that luster wear off. While there are fantastic things that have happened in the city including the new rec center and maintenance of street faires (albeit
<br />watered down), I think the approach to new ideas and growth has been approached with a fearful and reticent eye.
<br />Change and openness to new ideas and approaches will help our community continue to grow and thrive and I am definitely in that camp as opposed to the folks that just want everything to
<br />stay the same.
<br />Michael Menaker
<br />I have been a member of the LRC since February 2007, when Mayor Sisk and Council expanded the LRC from five to seven members. While the LRC has accomplished a great deal in the
<br />intervening years, there is still much to accomplish within the Urban Renewal Area. I would like to serve another term to continue and build upon the work we've begun to fulfill the mission of
<br />the LRC.
<br />Debra Baskett
<br />City of Louisville elected leaders, staff, residents and business representative have valued, planned and invested in the health and vitality of the city for many decades; protecting and
<br />activating our downtown, preserving existing neighborhoods and creating new ones, investing in open space and trails, new public facilities, and building and maintaining roads and safe
<br />mobility options for all members of the community. Louisville's leadership recognizes we are part of a regional system, and collaborates with neighboring communities to attain near and long
<br />term goals.
<br />As a resident of Boulder County for more than 30 years, I have been keenly aware of the vision of the city, and observed and enjoyed the many initiatives and and evolution of this small but
<br />mighty community. I have deeply empathized with the challenges of recovering from economic downturns, the impact of the 2013 flood, and the frustration of the long promised Northwest Rail.
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