Council,

I was hoping to connect you with business owners from other communities who have been impacted by BIDs and even rustled up an expert. They were willing to share their time and experience to help us avoid the gentrification and displacement they have seen and documented. The timing and format of this meeting wouldn’t allow for that, and this time might be all we get-

So this morning I was trying to figure out how on earth I could cram enough information into two minutes that would convince you that it’s ok to take our time and pause the BID.

And then I thought about that phrase “to take our time”

Right now the RDDC has the luxury of time. Their time is well paid for. They have a million dollars in private funding, with the promise of 2 point 9-8 million over the next few years to do their bidding if you pass this legislation.

You know who doesn’t have the luxury of time? 

It’s the folks who couldn’t afford to be here at this forum tonight because they’re keeping their small businesses running. Our volunteers have invested hundreds of hours in unpaid labor to learn and advocate. They’ve reached out to small business owners within the footprint, and over and over business owners didn’t even know this BID thing was happening. 

These small business owners were not part of the push for a Business Improvement District. But if this passes, they’d be pushed into paying the RDDC for it. Council, the RDDC hasn’t done enough to be granted a pass to move forward.

I sent over the survey comments, and highlighted that 98% of folks said the community doesn’t know enough to push forward with legislation that locks us on the path to create a Business Improvement District. 

Please. Our community needs you to pause this BID. The RDDC has to stop taking our time and provide clear answers to the community. We want to work together.

That can’t happen if we aren’t allowed a choice.
Please. Pause this BID.