RESOLUTION NO. 6877

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF LAWRENCE, KANSAS ESTABLISHING A TASK FORCE TO ENCOURAGE THE GROWTH OF THE RETAIL ECONOMY IN LAWRENCE

Whereas, the Lawrence retail economy provides numerous employment opportunities for Lawrence citizens; and

Whereas, retail sales tax is an important revenue source for the City of Lawrence, providing over $26 million to fund municipal services in 2009; and

Whereas, the retail economy is an important attribute for the quality of life for Lawrence including Lawrence’s downtown; and

Whereas,  enhancing the retail economy in Lawrence can serve several important community goals, including providing employment, revenue for City services, enhancing the attractiveness of Lawrence and the community’s quality of life,  and enhancing the vitality of various parts of the Lawrence community;  

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF LAWRENCE, KANSAS:

Section 1.     There is hereby established the Retail Growth Task Force, hereinafter referred to as the “Task Force.”   The Task Force shall have the mission and role as hereinafter established.

Section 2.     The Task Force shall be composed of nine (9) residents of the
City of Lawrence, as recommended by the Mayor and appointed by the City Commission.  The composition of the Task Force shall be include a diverse representation of the Lawrence community, including two city commissioners, two representatives of downtown merchants, two representatives of merchants outside of the downtown area, an individual involved in commercial real estate, an individual appointed to represent the business community at-large, and an individual appointed to represent the public at-large.

Section 3.    The Task Force shall have a primary focus on the following issue:  What should the City of Lawrence do to grow the retail economy in Lawrence?   The Task Force shall organize its work in such a way to provide a report on findings and recommendations by December 1, 2010.  The work of the Task Force shall include, but not be limited to following areas of inquiry:

A. What is the status of Lawrence’s retail economy?  What existing policies and laws currently govern the retail economy?  The inquiry shall include a review of applicable retail statistics and market surveys and provisions of the City’s comprehensive plan applicable to retail issues.

B. What are best practices for communities regarding enhancing the retail economy?   The inquiry shall include the possibility and practicality of City sponsorship of a retail incubator.   The inquiry shall include a review of what other successful communities have done to enhance their retail economy (with a similar review of lessons learned from poor practices).  The inquiry shall include a review of practices to specifically enhance the retail economy of Lawrence’s downtown.   Additionally, the inquiry shall include a review of possible tools to enhance the retail economy, including CID, TIF, TDD, Neighborhood Revitalization, New Market Tax Credits, and STAR bonds incentives.   Additionally, the inquiry shall include a review of City practices and policies which may currently inhibit the growth of the retail economy, including development costs associated with new or existing expansion of retail establishments.

C. What recommendations for changes in laws, policies, practices, and spending priorities are appropriate to enhance the retail economy of Lawrence?   The Task Force shall recognize that any recommendations concerning land use laws or policies shall require an appropriate review through the Lawrence-Douglas County Planning Commission and appropriate governing bodies.

Section 4.    The Task Force shall conduct all meetings in public sessions.  The Task Force may organize subcommittees to conduct specific reviews and inquiries, with such subcommittee work to also be conducted in public sessions. The Task Force shall provide a report on findings and recommendations by December 1, 2010.

Adopted this _____ day of ____________________, 2010.

                                                          _____________________

                                                               Robert Chestnut, Mayor

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Jonathan M. Douglass, City Clerk