Downtown consulting firm Progressive Urban Management Associates (P.U.M.A.) was hired in early Spring of 2008 to begin the consulting process. P.U.M.A. has helped over 80 downtown organizations across the nation increase their effectiveness through restructuring. Springfield, St. Louis and Kansas City have all benefited from the services P.U.M.A. provides.
After a series of focus groups, one-on-one interviews and members surveys, they put together a working draft of our Downtown Columbia Strategic Plan for our members to review. P.U.M.A. presented this plan to the SBD and CCA Boards, their members and other District stakeholders in mid-June. Both boards have approved the draft. but because it is a working document, we are still accepting feedback from members.
The next stage in the process will be a two-step one:
Begin Implementation of the Plan
The basic changes recommended by the plan can be implemented right away. These include setting new priorities, reallocating funds, and moving towards a consolidated board structure where the SBD and the CCA can begin working in concert on key issues. This includes the creation of an overarching non-profit organization designed to provide a single voice and stronger leadership for The District.
Form a CID Exploratory Committee
Although some changes can be made immediately, most recommended changes will require additional staff and funding. For instance, members listed their top priorities as business recruitment, clean and safe programs, and more beautification of the pedestrian areas. All these new or expanded programs will require dedicated staff and a dedicated funding source.
A Community Improvement District (CID) is similar to an Special Business District but can provide more member programs and services because it can pull in additional assessments. One option would be to replace our current SBD with a CID. The CID Exploratory Committee will consist of key District stakeholders representing a range of different interests. Their role will be to review a proposed CID Plan including services and programs, budget and assessment levels to determine if a CID is right for us.
All members will have an opportunity to review this plan and we will keep you informed of the process as we move along.
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P.U.M.A. Overview
Progressive Urban Management Associates (P.U.M.A.) is a Denver-based downtown consulting firms that has worked with downtowns in St. Louis, Springfield and Kansas City. They focus on organizational restructuring, downtown visioning, market analysis and Community Improvement District formation.
Brad Segal's Resume
Brad Segal is the president and founder of P.U.M.A. and our point person for this project. He is the former executive director of a downtown association so has a unique insight when it comes to downtown issues.
2007 Annual Report
For a better sense of what the SBD and the CCA are currently doing and how we are funded, download our recent annual report.
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CID proposal garners 63% of the vote. Thank you so much for your support!
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What will a nickle get me? Learn what types of programs and services we're proposing.
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Sample Ballot. What will the ballot I receive in the mail say?
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CID Map. If only residents can vote, how do I know if I'm in the CID?
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Q & A. Frequently asked questions.
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Coummunity Improvement District Management Plan. Read more about the new downtown CID.
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Downtown sales tax moves toward fall vote. District's residents would receive ballot.
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Downtown group begins planning for tax. "It gives us the opportunity to provide the level of service downtown deserves."
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