Laserfiche WebLink
17 City of San Leandro | Economic Development Initiatives and Work Plan | May 2013 <br /> <br />Initiative #4: Downtown San Leandro <br />Downtown San Leandro is in many ways the heart of the community. Supporting the downtown <br />area, therefore, has always been a leading priority of the Business Development team. The <br />City’s first redevelopment project area, formed in 1960, was devoted to establishment of the <br />Downtown Plaza. Current activities focus on supporting the existing downtown business <br />community, assisting in operational and aesthetic improvements downtown, marketing <br />opportunity sites, and supporting special events. <br />Ongoing Activities <br />Community Benefit District – Prior to its elimination in 2012, the San Leandro <br />Redevelopment Agency made a significant annual contribution to Downtown San Leandro, <br />supporting maintenance, security, marketing, and events. With the loss of redevelopment <br />funding, the downtown business community and the City have been working together to form a <br />Community Benefit District (CBD) which will provide an ongoing funding source to support <br />enhanced services to the downtown area. Beginning in 2012, the City, a consultant, and a <br />downtown steering committee have been working cooperatively on this effort. Based on <br />current plans, the District should be formed in time to have the first assessment placed on the <br />2013-14 property tax rolls. <br />Accomplishments To-Date: <br />• In 2012, the City hired New City America to assist in the development of a CBD <br />Management Plan and the formation of the District. <br />• Meetings were held with the Steering Committee and San Leandro Downtown <br />Association throughout 2012 and 2013 to determine the level of services to be delivered <br />and assessment methodology which are detailed in the Downtown San Leandro CBD <br />2013 Management District Plan approved by the Steering Committee and City Council in <br />April 2013. <br />• In March 2013, the petition drive for the initiative began and ballots are scheduled to be <br />due by July 14, 2013. <br /> <br />Downtown Farmers’ Market – Now in its sixth year, the Downtown San Leandro Farmers’ <br />Market is one of San Leandro’s most successful community events, drawing over 2,500 visitors <br />each week. Business Development staff works closely with market operator, Pacific Coast <br />Farmers’ Market Association, and the San Leandro Downtown Association to manage logistical <br />issues related to the market, special event programming, and marketing. The market not only