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service calls to security increased from 2,600 to 5,200 (50% increase) and trash bags collected <br />rose from 45,000 to 90,000 (50% increase). <br />The Downtown Security program is a cornerstone of downtown's success. The program is <br />already 50% underfunded from what is needed, but still provides an affordable full-time <br />protective force to downtown. <br />Security is vital as a service to businesses and for visitor perceptions as "Lack of safety" and <br />"Homelessness" remain two of the primary reasons people don't like to visit downtown <br />according to studies conducted by the City. <br />This year, downtown vandalism costs have tripled including over $40,000 in costs of vandalism <br />paid out by the City alone. Reducing our Downtown Security force will increase the burden on <br />private and public vandalism costs in 2021 and is not supported by the Downtown Police <br />Officers. <br />Please consider covering this year's gap in downtown's self -funded critical services to keep our <br />engine running and supporting our downtown businesses. Overall, the total impact of your <br />decision here is another $100,000. Yet this is a critical cost -saving and protective investment <br />considering the alternatives of increased vandalism and decreased safety perceptions in <br />downtown. <br />Sincerely, <br />Cameron Irons, Executive Director <br />SVN Vanguard <br />120 W. 5t" Street #210 <br />