Joint meeting: Central City’s key organizations, including the Central City Downtown Development Authority (CCDDA), Central City Business Improvement District (CCBID), Central City Urban Renewal Authority (CCURA), and Main Street Central City, convened for a joint meeting to strengthen their connections and discuss future collaborative projects.[/caption]

In a collaborative effort, the Central City Downtown Development Authority (CCDDA), Central City Business Improvement District (CCBID), Central City Urban Renewal Authority (CCURA), and Main Street Central City held a joint work session on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. The meeting, attended by about 15 people, including Mayor Jeremy Fey, aimed to foster cooperation and avoid redundancy among the organizations.

City Manager Daniel Miera said the purpose of the meeting was for all present to familiarize themselves with one another and discuss potential projects. He stressed the importance of distinguishing the roles and fiscal structures of the different organizations to prevent overlapping efforts. Miera noted the discussions of the DDA and URA boards, acknowledging similarities and distinctions between the two.

Joe Behm, a member of the BID, explained the property taxes collected by the BID, which include an 80-mill levy on commercial properties remitted to bond debt for constructing the Central City Parkway. The cooperation agreements between the City and bondholders stipulate that bondholders have rights to the increment until the City’s assessed total value reaches $70 million. Additionally, the BID collects a 10-mill levy for administration and special events, such as Stills in the Hills and Beerfest, and supports other local events.

Barbara Thielemann, representing Main Street Central City, outlined their mission to diversify and expand businesses while preserving the historic atmosphere. Main Street Central City, a 501(c)(3) organization, celebrates the arts and promotes events like Cleanup Day, Fall Festival, and Tommyknocker holidays. They receive funding from the BID and the City, and recently appointed Mary Ann Yuthas as their new Marketing Manager.

Miera mentioned that the URA and DDA are relatively new and products of collaboration with the City Council and other stakeholders. The URA primarily consists of City Council members, while the DDA levies 5 mills, with collections beginning this year. Miera emphasized the importance of cooperation agreements and respecting Intergovernmental Agreements (IGAs) to properly situate tax-increment financing (TIF).

Miera distributed an informational sheet on TIF, describing it as a mechanism for funding redevelopment in blighted areas. TIF revenues, generated from property or municipal sales tax, fund redevelopment activities. The urban renewal revenue sunsets after 30 years for a DDA and 25 years for a URA.

The meeting also addressed the potential challenges of redeveloping the T-lot, designated as a “Superfund” site due to its pollution and hazardous conditions. Miera suggested leveraging funding from property assessments and future development for such projects.

Thielemann discussed efforts to improve Downtown’s appearance and address vacancies. She proposed making Main Street a pedestrian mall with outdoor seating, and ensuring that businesses adhere to posted hours. She also mentioned offering LED lights for businesses to illuminate their storefronts.

Mayor Fey suggested that the URA and DDA focus on future development, while the BID and Main Street engage with existing businesses and events. Fey proposed quarterly meetings between the directors of the organizations to enhance coordination.

During the meeting, various board members raised concerns about clarifying responsibilities and streamlining processes. For instance, DDA Board Member Eric Langan highlighted the exhaustive process for food truck applications, suggesting a packet for potential vendors. The discussion also covered the comprehensive City Calendar on the City’s website and its role in managing event schedules and parking constraints.

Yuthas shared her plans for enhancing the City’s digital presence, including a digital campaign funded by a $5,000 BID contribution. She also proposed a monthly newsletter for businesses in order to improve communication.

Thielemann sought clarification on the roles of the URA/DDA and Main Street regarding revitalization. Miera explained that while the URA/DDA have more tools and eventual funding, Main Street, as a nonprofit, plays a crucial role in community engagement and event planning.

The meeting concluded with plans for the directors of the organizations to collaborate on next year’s calendar. DDA member Steve Boulter thanked everyone for their participation, noting the progress made in laying the groundwork for future cooperation.