HomeMy WebLinkAbout7/21/2020 Item 7, Mullen -- Received after the deadline
From:Laura Mullen <
To:E-mail Council Website
Cc:Bettina Swigger
Subject:Item 7 -- SLO Forward
I’m writing today as Vice President of the Board of Directors for Downtown SLO to voice our support for Item 7 on the
July 21 City Council Agenda.
The Board of Directors heard a presentation from City Manager Derek Johnson on Tuesday, July 14. The Board then
conducted an online election. Out of 14 eligible voting members, 9 voted in favor of SLO Forward as a concept and to put
it on the ballot in November. One voted against. Therefore, the vote was carried.
In these uncertain times, we believe it is imperative to increase the sales tax to a level that, at the very least, is in keeping
with surrounding cities and counties. When a higher sales tax was in place a few years ago, many retailers didn’t observe
any noticeable reaction from customers. Furthermore, visitors from within the state are usually coming from places with
even higher sales taxes.
We would like to thank the City Council, City leadership and City Staff for their efforts during this challenging period of
time. Our City has been extremely supportive during this pandemic to remove hurdles for downtown businesses to adapt
quickly to rapidly changing scenarios. We should support our City. We want to continue to not only recover, but make
improvements, as a City, as a Downtown and as local businesses.
Thank you,
Laura Mullen
Vice President, Board of Directors
Downtown SLO
1