Several downtown business owners told the council they are financially strained after nearly two years of construction tied to the downtown revitalization project and asked for a coordinated recovery effort once construction ends. Council members and staff responded that the city will ramp up regional and local marketing, coordinate events and explore options to drive customers back to the square.

Taylor Burge, a downtown business owner, said weekday foot traffic is “nonexistent” and described exhaustion among owners who have tried multiple marketing tactics during construction. “We are all out of ideas and exhausted from constantly trying to post on social media and drive people to our spaces,” she told council, asking for a formal city‑led recovery plan and direct engagement with downtown merchants.

Other downtown stakeholders agreed. Don O’Neil, who recently opened a downtown business, urged more direct, coordinated support and referenced missed opportunities for an organized downtown business assistance program. Megan Carbajal, CEO of the local chamber of commerce, said she wants to be part of the solution and asked staff to involve the chamber in outreach and marketing plans.

Mayor and staff acknowledged the burden on downtown merchants and said the construction timeline is nearing completion. Economic development and city staff described immediate steps: a coordinated digital and print advertising campaign to promote downtown, consideration of street banners, exploring regional print placements, and using tourism resources and holiday timing to drive visitors. Staff said they will work with downtown business owners to design a campaign and suggested the possibility of extending support into 2026 if needed.

Council did not take formal action requiring a budget appropriation at the work session, but staff said they will return to council with a campaign plan and cost estimate and will coordinate closely with business owners, the chamber and other local organizations.