NEW: Economic Vitality Program Study Session
Monday, May 12, 2008
Boulder Tomorrow support statement
Re: Economic Vitality Program Study Session
Dear Boulder City Council:
The City of Boulder’s Economic Vitality Program (EVP) has proven to be an important and demonstrative effort that lets the business community know that our city appreciates and encourages the contributions and growth of companies that enhance the quality of life in Boulder. We strongly support the program’s concepts and efforts; and we encourage you to endorse a significant increase in the program’s funding for 2009 and beyond.
The regional competitive landscape means Boulder cannot presume that our unique attributes will indefinitely attract and retain the most progressive, creative and innovative companies. Beyond the symbolism of the EVP is a pragmatic need to show the City truly wants to support economic vitality in our community.
At your May 13, 2008 Study Session you will hear specific details to the financial impacts the program has on the city’s budget. Specifically the more than $14 in city revenue per $1 in program spending is a dramatic return on this investment. However, the numbers alone cannot tell the full story of how Boulder benefits by supporting this program. The intangible impacts of relationships the city staff makes with business owners, employers and retail companies is also a real and powerful part of the city’s economic foundation, maintaining a “Boulder as first choice” mindset amongst the companies we most want to attract and keep here.
The concerns raised by the Blue Ribbon Commission on Revenue Stabilization put an exclamation point on why you should be interested in the impacts of the EVP. As a tool to help the city increase, not simply maintain revenue, the EVP deserves your full and enthusiastic support.
Lou Della Cava, Chairman
Boulder Tomorrow Board of Directors
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