How can we keep a health retail environment?
We need a strong, vital retail business sector not only for the sales tax revenue it
provides to our budget but also because we want to and need to be able to shop
locally for those items we use on a daily and weekly basis.
Starting four years ago, we’ve had energetic retail committees assess the needs
of our retailers and recommend policy and administrative actions to improve the
ability of our retailers to compete and stay healthy.
These committees have been successful in part because they have included
representatives from neighborhoods, businesses and developers. Their
recommendations haven’t been “pie in the sky” but instead have been pragmatic,
doable actions.
The 2005 retail committee finished its work and reported to the
Council and Planning Commission on December 12 in the City
Council Chambers. The 2005 committee’s focus has been to
identify policies and actions that will improve our ability to attract
appropriate new retail services.
An important new program is a 3 year revenue enhancement
plan to boost revenues that have fallen to decade-ago levels.
Few issues today are simple or black and white. Almost
all have a complex past or deal with competing, valid
objectives. Please give me a call if you would like to
discuss this or other issues in more detail.
Bern
Palo Alto Council Beecham retail business environment electricity electric water NCPA BAWSCA Judy Kleinberg Dena Mossar Yoriko Kishimoto Larry Klein
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Bern Beecham
Palo Alto City Council
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