Correspondence- #26 - Laserfiche WebLink

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In addition, SABC and DTI have intensified our talks city staff about merging the BID groups and have to come to an agreement between the 2 groups that we think is reasonable and provides a path forward. Both groups boards have voted to approve the below plan and hope that the City and Council will help and support in its implementation so we can all work together to get back to business and making the Downtown the best it can be. • Downtown Inc (DTI) and Santa Ana Business Council (SABC) will each elect 5 current board members to a newly formed board • A Downtown wide vote amongst any BID paying member will take place to elect 5 new board members (cannot have ever served on either board) • A new 15 person board will be created which will elect new leadership board, create new budget / strategic plan, etc. • Assuming approved by majority of Downtown businesses at Dec 6th hearing, approve current BID levy hearing and begin 2023 with the budgets submitted for continuity of our basic operations until new board can be formed Concurrently, as referenced above, we would ask that the City hire a BID expert to evaluate best practices for moving forward. We would also request that a high ranking City staff member, along with a City Council person, be non voting board members, as it is integral that the City decision makers are a part of this to be successful. We continue to believe the BID is incredibly valuable to our merchants and the City and we cannot imagine how Downtown would look without our weekly newsletter, social media, events, advocacy, partnerships and customer service. It would frankly be devastating and turn back the clock further, which after COVID and streetcar constriction, can't afford to happen. Let's acknowledge the extreme pressure and challenges of this year and the frustration and struggles many have experienced, but let's also recognize all the great work that has been done, and that we're better together, united and working together for Downtown. The BID is the cornerstone of our downtown's cooperative leadership and I urge you to move this item forward. Sincerely, Ryan Chase Ryan Chase President, Downtown Inc. Raul Yanez, President of SABC Inc., on and behalf of SABC Inc., has read and approved of this letter.