Lower Downtown District, Inc.

Passion-and Progress

Apr 12, 2000

LDDI Board Retreat
What are we passionate about-and is it possible? What is the strength of our organization -and what is holding us back? What is our mission-and what is our focus?
At the February Board Retreat, the LDDI Board met to pinpoint issues and brainstorm strategies. The group listed their top five priorities-Denver Union Terminal/Light Rail, Political Influence, retail/Arts, Parking and Education-and outlined specific goals for each priority. DUT/ Light Rail - The Board plans to create an overall Union Station development plan that will dramatically improve transportation in Lower Downtown. Political Influence-The primary goal here is to get the Neighborhood Plan approved by City Council. Other goals include establishing political contacts and creating a public relations strategy.
Retail/Arts-The Board would like to attract retailers, especially those that are other than dining establishments, while promoting existing LoDo retailers. In the ongoing effort to support the arts in LoDo, the group
plans to offer First Friday support through marketing and other mediums.

Parking-The first goal is to educate visitors to available parking through better parking signage as well as maps. The group also hopes to develop a parking management plan for shared parking as well as promote a valet ordinance.
Education-Historical preservation and the promotion of its importance is a critical issue for the Board. The group plans to expand tours, promote school field trips, expand the historical plaque program, create a website and create a speakers' bureau. At its March meeting, the board began to address each of these areas in greater detail. Updates to appear in LoDown.