Support our local business community to insure a strong community!

1. Reinstate the Sales Tax Service Fee

In 2009, due to the economic downturn the city eliminated the two percent service fee (also known as a vendor fee) that had been allowed. This fee represents the portion of the sales tax retained by the business to cover the cost of collecting and remitting the sales tax.

Sales tax is up within the city and nearing pre-recession levels. It is time for the city to reinstate the Service Fee. It is one way the city can support the businesses that keep Glenwood Springs vibrant.

2. Rework the Discretionary Grant Process

The Acquisitions and Improvement Tax approved by voters in 1998 included a provision for a discretionary fund. $140,407 has been allocated in the 2015 budget

Although the city’s web page does not specify, over the years these funds have been largely used for human service grants to entities like Lift Up, Feed My Sheep, Catholic Charities, etc. While absolutely worthwhile, human services entities generally have a variety of other funding sources. However, many of these entities have come to assume these funds will be awarded in at least the same amount, if not greater, year after year.

Additionally, currently there is little accountability or reporting required of these entities to assure funds are being used for the purpose intended. I would recommend that any group, business, charity, or other not be funded for more than two consecutive years. Additionally, any entity receiving funding should be prepared to file a report documenting the use of the funds. Any entity not meeting the filing requirements will not be eligible for funding for a two year period. These are normal requirements for grants.

Additionally, in order to assist our business community through the Grand Avenue Bridge construction, I would recommend, that beginning with the 2016 budget, at least half of the discretionary funding be earmarked for local businesses. With the 2017 & 2018 I would recommend that three-quarters of the discretionary fund be funneled into local businesses. The application process, reporting and restrictions would follow the revised discretionary grant process. Funds could be used for improvements such as awning replacement, repainting, remodeling and refreshing an alley entrance or facade improvements.

Once construction is completed, we need to re-evaluate the process to see what the needs of the community require.

3. Re-write Land Use Code

The regulations are complex, confusing and, in some cases contradictory. It is time to rewrite the land use codes which include sign and parking codes. We need to clarify and simplify this information. Investors in businesses in Glenwood need to be able to move forward, clearly knowing what is expected of them when they want to build, expand, move or upgrade. Glenwood Springs currently has commercial design standards. However, a search on the website simply refers one to the municipal code or to various minutes from City Council or the Planning Commission.

There is no need to lower our standards. In fact, they could be tightened. However, they must be clear and concise. Staff has been working on a technical specification manual. Due to some other major projects, they have not completed it. Keep staff working on the major issues, but move this forward and take it off of staff’s plate by outsourcing the writing of this manual and of the Land Use Code.

4. Provide Great Community Places

While last on this list, this may be one of the most important elements of supporting the business community. People drive the economy and people are attracted to lively, vibrant community places. Revitalizing areas as has been done along 7th Street is critical to supporting our business community. It is important to provide places where people feel safe and connected.

Currently the DDA is exploring revitalization of Cooper, between 7th and 8th as well as the alley ways between 7th and 8th and Cooper and Colorado. Areas on the north side of 7th and the area on 6th between Pine and Laurel are also areas of focus. These visions are wonderful. But we need to make them a reality. We also need to focus on other areas of Glewood including West Glenwood and South Glenwood and the Confluence area. We are one community and as we make each area of our town stronger the entire town will benefit.

According to CommunityBuilders.net vital communities have elements that connect people where they live to where they shop and work and play. They are truly walkable community spaces. It is of critical importance that the city of Glenwood be the catalyst to providing these great community places.