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Management of Downtown’s Business Improvement District is an important issue for Downtown property owners. The Downtown Action Team currently serves this management role. As Journal readers know from previous articles, an effort was launched by a small minority of rate payers to challenge the existence of the BID and question DAT’s ability to manage the BID.
The BID was formed in 2000 with 60 percent of property owners petitioning for its creation. The BID came into being only after extensive input and consideration by Downtown property owners and in consultation with well-respected, independent urban planners. In 2010, prior to recent efforts to discredit the BID, 61 percent agreed to continue the BID, indicating confidence in DAT’s management. The City Council annually reviews a report of DAT’s management, the proposed annual budget for the BID and DAT’s audited financial statements.
During the BID renewal process in 2010, property owners engaged in a constructive process, expressing ideas for evolution of the activities of the BID. DAT was able to assess from 183 different owners areas that were met with satisfaction and other areas where the BID can be managed more effectively.
However, a small minority chose to take a less constructive path by lawsuits and encouraging property owners to rescind their vote for continuance. This unfortunate situation has become a costly distraction, diverting hard-working people from achieving the common goal of revitalizing Downtown.
Property owners — from small to large — have engaged in a process to realize progress on a comprehensive strategic plan designed to create growth and prosperity. The plan is driven by a compelling vision with key metrics clearly identified for these outcomes:
♦ Filling retail space.
♦ Encouraging restaurant growth.
♦ Luring office tenants.
♦ Realizing residential opportunities.
♦ Retaining businesses who are struggling in a difficult economy.
DAT has engaged in a survey to all its property owners. DAT unveiled a new Clean & Hospitality Ambassador program to ensure efficient distribution of services. DAT has expanded its economic development program undergoing a massive “assets tagging” survey to better assist property owners and brokers lease office space. DAT has partnered with Mayor Berry on his Albuquerque Heading Home homeless initiative and with the Historic District Improvement Co. on the Alvarado Urban Farm Initiative which will bring a working produce farm to the heart of Downtown. And the DAT board has changed its meeting schedule to have quarterly evening “listening sessions” with the entire BID. Many who had expressed dissatisfaction in the early stages have now engaged, attending board meetings and participating in the process.
Overall, the entire BID renewal process has been a positive one for the organization, strengthening its focus and making its operations more efficient. Every organization has its strengths and other areas where it can improve. For the most part, this process has been a healthy one, engaging people who have previously not been taking part.
We, the property owners of Downtown, cannot allow the loud voices of a small minority to weaken the ability of our management team of choice, the Downtown Action Team, to move Downtown forward. We have too much at stake!
We have great confidence in DAT and in their integrity in dealing with input from all property and business owners. We applaud DAT for building coalitions among diverse populations and for never giving in to demands that will destroy its integrity and its ability to deliver on the business plan approved by ratepayers and annually reviewed by the City Council.
The DAT board of directors is diverse. It is comprised of large and small property owners, business owners and community leaders to ensure fair representation and effective outcomes. We appreciate that during these challenging times, the DAT board and staff have continued to serve and protect our interests. The projects coming on line are already creating positive results and the metrics provide for clear accountability. We urge all property owners to get more involved in our collaborative efforts to improve our Downtown community.
Names and businesses Owen Lopez, McCune Foundation & Historic District Improvement Co.
