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Businesses and downtown group urge council to keep downtown funding levy; supporters say 7-cent rate sustains DDI programs
Summary
Multiple downtown business owners and advocates asked the council during public comment to retain a 7-cent downtown funding levy that supports Downtown Durham Incorporated (DDI) programs and public-space investments; speakers framed the levy as critical to downtown vitality and tourism.
Several downtown business owners and representatives addressed the council during public comment urging the retention of a 7-cent downtown levy that supports Downtown Durham Incorporated (DDI) programming and public-space initiatives.
Speakers said DDI has used the levy since the programbegan and that the organization has worked with consultants and community stakeholders to craft strategies to keep the downtown area safe, attractive and supportive of small, local businesses. One speaker said the levy was created in 2012 to provide resources for downtown programming and to support local cultural and economic activity.
The nut graf: multiple speakers framed the 7-cent levy as an investment in downtown’s economic sustainability, public safety and visitation; several said removing or reducing the levy would jeopardize DDIprograms and long-term downtown recovery.
Speakers included people identifying themselves as downtown business owners and DDI representatives. One speaker described DDIas a local organization that has worked with consultants and the community to implement a downtown plan that supports small, culturally authentic local businesses. Several speakers asked the council to maintain the current 7-cent rate and noted competition from other communities for visitor and business investment.
Council members did not take action on the levy during the work session; the discussion occurred under agenda item 4 (budget-development guidelines) during public comment. Speakers urged the council to consider prioritizing downtown investments in the budget process and to weigh public-safety and cleanliness investments alongside promotional and cultural programs.
Context noted during the meeting: speakers repeatedly emphasized the importance of downtown on the cityeconomy and workforce, and some asked the council to be bold and invest in downtown initiatives. One speaker who said he had served on the council in the past recommended retaining the 7-cent rate based on historical experience.
Next steps: the levy and downtown funding will be part of fiscal-year budget discussions and any proposed changes will come back to the council for formal action.
