When times are tough, the tough get going

Business in the BID

When times are tough, the tough get going

The economic downturn has hit Durango. While we had a reprieve, as the town traditionally lags behind national trends (sometimes even escaping them), the money crunch has finally caught up with us.

The BID’s September board meeting was sobering at best, as Durango City Manager Ron LeBlanc paid a visit, bringing the bad news in person. The sales tax numbers for August (reflecting July sales) showed a 10.2 percent decline in revenues. Lodger’s tax dripped 9.5 percent. And this comes on top of steady declines in sales tax revenues for all of 2009, plus no revenues from new construction in the private sector, and the natural gas industry (which covers more than 50 percent of property taxes in La Plata County) is seeing gas prices at a 10 year low. For 2010, the City may be looking at layoffs and cutting services.

From the BID’s perspective, though the forecast is bleak, this is not a time to stop. While trimming the proverbial fat and enhancing efficiencies are appropriate, caring for our Historic Downtown must be a priority to ensure the future. The Historic Downtown is a “magic charm” that entices out-of-town guests and inspires them to return. Case in point – last month, the City, BID, Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge, High Noon Rotary, 1887 Catering, Downtown businesses and more rolled out the red carpet for the Colorado Grand vintage car road rally. Durango hospitality and the charm of the Downtown prompted these well-heeled guests to put Durango on their list of places to return for vacation. This type of spirit and effort, even in the face of lower revenues, needs to be maintained, and the BID is willing to lead the charge.

Since its inception, and move from an organization focused exclusively on creation of a conference and events center (though this goal is still maintained), the BID, in partnership with the City, has made a difference in the vibrancy of Downtown. It’s a cumulative effort that over these past years has helped enhance the mosaic that makes Downtown Durango special.

For example, if it weren’t for the BID there would be no flower barrels or cigarette butt urns. BID led the drive for a Downtown visitor’s kiosk (this season helping more than 4500 guests have a better experience in Durango). Communications, a vital component to Downtown unity and organization, has been enhanced by the BID through newsletters, e-news, web site and more. The BID board continues to advocate for what’s best for Downtown, such as keeping civic offices from moving to Bodo Park, and BID is a force behind enhancing live music Downtown with its “Rhythms of Durango” CD.

Downtown events have been launched, funded and marketed with an eye for bringing more consumers Downtown, and a Community Emergency Fund now exists because of the BID’s effort following the 700 block fire. This fall, the BID-funded business directories will be in place Downtown before any other piece of the City’s way-finding program is complete. All this and more on an annual budget of less than $200,000. Creative thinking and passion has much to do with it.

As the BID goes into its 2010 budgeting process, and prepares for an election next year to ask constituents to renew the mill levy, or life blood of the BID, the board is examining those areas where it can pick up services the City might not be able to shoulder in coming years – all to ensure that Downtown Durango remains “a gem” and economically viable.

Bob Kunkel, the City’s downtown business and promotions specialist and BID marketing consultant, noted a tagline at a recent international downtown conference, which could be appropriate for our Business Improvement District at this time: “BID over troubled waters.” Stay tuned.

The Durango Business Improvement District was formed in 1997 with a goal and mission to support businesses within the District by assisting with special event marketing, providing research on topics of concern to the District (facilities, special events, best practices), planning and development of new facilities, and providing capital budget for equipment that enhances business in the District. Funding is generated by a 1.5 mill levy on property owners within the district, with additional marketing dollars contributed by the City of Durango and Durango Area Tourism Office. BID Board members are John Wells, presiding officer; Bob Allen, Karen Barger, Rod Barker and Tim Wheeler.