Cinergy Entertainment @ 71st and Memorial

[SXSW]

I don't think for instance our current Mayor or any representative of the "city" has ever even bothered to come to my store downtown just a short walk from their offices.  I have worked to create perhaps the largest, locally owned retail store in downtown and a pretty fun and unique one if I do say so myself.  They haven't even bothered so much as to make a "tweet" about it.  Nor the previous mayor or administration as well.  Would be fine if they didn't tout so often the desire to have retail downtown. Or tout this or that new business coming to town or work so hard to get them. I am not even worth a "tweet" to them.   

I definitely understand your frustration.  Hey Mayor Bynum if you (or one of your staffers) are reading this show Decopolis some love.  You have a unique store and it should be heralded.

[heironymouspasparagus]

May not be much consolation, but I tell people about you all the time...!    No idea if any ever come in.

[TheArtist]

I definitely understand your frustration.  Hey Mayor Bynum if you (or one of your staffers) are reading this show Decopolis some love.  You have a unique store and it should be heralded.

Thanks SXSW!

[TheArtist]

May not be much consolation, but I tell people about you all the time...!    No idea if any ever come in.

That is fantastic! Appreciate it very much!

[TheArtist]

A while back I had thought of coming up with a "Buy Local" program that the city could implement.  Here are some initial thoughts..... 

Local Retail Assistance & Incentives

Promote a "buy local" culture. 

Educate, teach people about the many positives of using local businesses.

Promote local businesses.  Have a monthly "featured business" and coordinate with the business for that time period to help with promoting.  Talk about them on the news, radio, TV, local paper and magazine, post about them on facebook, etc. 


Have businesses that are interested sign up to be included. 

Criteria

Businesses can be ranked by points.

Located in area where city wants to see more retail growth.  Underserved areas, downtown/Route 66 to promote tourism and city "attractiveness", upgrading older retail corridors, etc.

Not all local businesses have "grand visions".   Many small businesses, for various reasons, are happy to do well and make money.  While others are willing to work towards bigger goals, be creative and do the extra work it takes to keep moving forward and growing.  Those businesses that show the willingness, vision and drive to expand and grow can rank higher.

Show a unique or "stand out" quality.  What is something special or unique about the business that helps them stand out from the average in their field? 

Those that source from other local businesses, artists, craftsmen, farms, etc.

Those that show a propensity to give back or "do good for the community".  Smaller businesses will not be able to do as much as larger, so not a matter of "quantity" but ability.

etc.

Economic Incentives

Signage (neon on Route 66)

Awnings in pedestrian/transit areas.  Awnings (useable not aesthetic/ "fake" awnings) help the pedestrian experience and promote foot traffic for retail corridors.  Some cities help businesses in their important retail corridors pay for new awnings, repair/replacement of old awnings, etc.

Loggias and awnings on new construction in pedestrian/transit friendly retail corridors can allow for "fast tracking" of permits, or perhaps some economic incentives.  Smaller parking allowance for businesses that include loggias or awnings.  Tax rebate for part of cost of awnings.

Unique permitting paperwork in "special areas". There is an inherent bias in our current permitting process that perhaps unwittingly shifts development in directions we may not want.  Use wording and images in permitting process that encourages pedestrian friendly or retail usage in those areas.  Example: Instead of "How many parking spaces are you going to have, and show where they are located" also have "The city wants to encourage foot traffic and transit usage in this area, the city offers special incentives for awnings, please show awning placement and sizes." 

etc.