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HomeMy WebLinkAbout4/15/2025 Item 7a, Harris LeBren Harris < To:E-mail Council Website Subject:4/15/25 City Council Meeting: Agenda Item 7a Attachments:4.15 City Council Budget.pdf This message is from an External Source. Use caution when deciding to open attachments, click links, or respond. My name is LeBren Harris and I'm representing Downtown SLO. Please see the letter attached for your review. Thank-you! LeBren Harris (She/Her) To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office Chief Executive Officer, Downtown SLO prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. 805-234-9677 |DowntownSLO.com |LeBren@DowntownSLO.com 1135 Chorro St, San Luis Obispo CA 93401 1 RE: Item 7a: 2025-2027 Strategic Budget Direction and Draft CIP Dear City Council, On behalf of Downtown SLO board of directors, committee members, businesses, residents and visitors, I am writing to express our continued support for the City of San Luis Obispo's efforts to foster a thriving, economically vibrant, and welcoming downtown. Downtown is the heartbeat of our city where community, commerce, culture, and creativity all intersect and it is through our shared dedication that we continue to keep it thriving. As an organization committed to the vitality of our city’s core, Downtown SLO is proud to collaborate with the City to ensure that downtown San Luis Obispo remains a dynamic destination for residents, businesses, downtown employees and visitors. Since 2008, Downtown SLO has proudly partnered with the City of San Luis Obispo to enhance the heart of our community through clean and safe services, dynamic placemaking such as Holiday Plaza Activation, and vibrant events such as Farmers Market and Concerts in The Plaza. This long standing relationship, built on trust and collaboration, has been instrumental in shaping a thriving, welcoming downtown. This partnership has also played a crucial role in bringing world-class events to San Luis Obispo, including the upcoming California Main Street (CAMS) conference in which Downtown SLO has the pleasure to host October 15-17, 2025. By leveraging our expertise in event management and community engagement, we continue to position Downtown SLO as a premier destination for cultural and economic activity. We also enthusiastically express our support for the City’s recommended budget and workplan, particularly as it aligns with the priorities outlined in the Cultural Vitality, Economic Resilience, and Fiscal Sustainability Major City Goal. Downtown SLO is encouraged by the City’s efforts to complete key capital improvement projects that will bring the vision of a Cultural Arts District to life. We also applaud the City’s initiative to work collaboratively with partners on a potential roadmap for a future downtown conference facility, as well as its support for the creation and expansion of coworking opportunities—all of which will further energize the economic and cultural fabric of our downtown. We are especially grateful for the City's ongoing dedication to critical initiatives that contribute to downtown’s success, including enhanced security measures for the world-famous Downtown SLO Farmers' Market and programs focused on The mission of Downtown SLO is to foster an economically vibrant downtown. We help people and business grow and thrive; We foster a feeling of belonging; We create community; We like to bring people together; We celebrate diversity; We practice optimism; We are resilient; We actively promote a walkable, bike-able, accessible community; We cultivate sustainability; We value the outdoors and respect our natural environment; We believe that a thriving economy depends on authentic connection. business attraction, retention, and support. These efforts are essential to maintaining the unique charm and economic resilience that define our downtown. Downtown SLO remains steadfast in its partnership with the City as we work together to implement innovative solutions that strengthen our local economy and improve quality of life. We support forward-thinking initiatives that position San Luis Obispo as a regional economic leader while honoring the character and spirit of our community. Thank you for your continued commitment, and please know that Downtown SLO is ready to work alongside you to advance opportunities that make San Luis Obispo a true economic driving force. Thank you, LeBren Harris CEO, Downtown SLO The mission of Downtown SLO is to foster an economically vibrant downtown. We help people and business grow and thrive; We foster a feeling of belonging; We create community; We like to bring people together; We celebrate diversity; We practice optimism; We are resilient; We actively promote a walkable, bike-able, accessible community; We cultivate sustainability; We value the outdoors and respect our natural environment; We believe that a thriving economy depends on authentic connection.