Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Economic Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Downtown development updates: DDA awning grant, MOU for Longmont Create and discussion of vacancy fees
Summary
The downtown development authority reported a 50% awning reimbursement program, an MOU proposal to support Longmont Create and early discussion about a vacancy fee for long-term empty commercial properties.
Liaisons reported multiple downtown economic development items, including a Downtown Development Authority (DDA) program to reimburse 50% of awning replacement costs for participating businesses, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to strengthen reporting capacity for Longmont Create and a conversation about imposing a vacancy fee on long-empty commercial properties.
The DDA update described a May cleanup, parking-lot cleaning and an awning incentive program that offers 50% reimbursement for qualifying awning work. Liaisons said the DDA is offering some smaller grants and reimbursement incentives to encourage retail conversions, signage updates and façade improvements.
Liaisons said the DDA proposed an MOU to simplify reporting and grow capacity for Longmont Create, a nonprofit working to support the city's creative district certification and programming. The MOU is intended to streamline administration so Longmont Create can sustain activities and access additional funding; the DDA anticipates the MOU will aid in recertification of the creative district.
During liaison remarks, one council member raised the idea of a vacancy fee or tax targeting commercial properties that remain vacant or neglected for extended periods. The discussion compared that concept to vacancy taxes on residential units in neighboring Boulder; liaisons said such a fee would require research, legal review and a possible ordinance and that council would need to decide whether to pursue it. No ordinance or formal action was proposed during the liaison update.
