Lafayette Downtown Development Authority Meeting – July 17, 2025

The Lafayette Downtown Development Authority (DDA) met on July 17, 2025, at 6:00 PM. The meeting included public input, approval of the June 9, 2025 meeting minutes, and a two-hour workshop facilitated by Progressive Urban Management Associates (PUMA) on the Old Town Tomorrow Action Plan. The board discussed budget priorities, quick wins, and three-to-five-year strategies. The meeting adjourned at 8:23 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: The board unanimously approved the June 9, 2025 meeting minutes as written.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Adam Gianola (speaking on his own behalf, not on behalf of the Sustainability Resilience Advisory Board of which he is a member) requested wayfinding signage for bike parking and noted that a proposal to add bike racks at the Starkey Building, possibly accommodating nine or eighteen bikes, is expected to come before the advisory board later this summer. He also raised the lack of electric vehicle charging in the downtown corridor, suggesting that light poles with existing electrical infrastructure could be used for additional charging stations.

Discussion Items

• Workshop with Progressive Urban Management Associates (PUMA): Brad Siegel facilitated an interactive session covering board/staff roles, tax increment financing (TIF), and budget prioritization.
  • Board vs. Staff Roles: The board is responsible for policy and program guidance, prioritizing initiatives, and approving the budget; the executive director executes and manages implementation.
  • Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Forecasts: The DDA has a 30-year term, extendable in 20-year increments. First-year increment is estimated at $22,000–$57,000; by year five, $100,000–$300,000; an aggressive scenario projects $350,000–$880,000. Growth projections have been revised down to 1–2% annually, no longer assuming the previous 4% growth.
  • Funding Overview: Executive Director Bridget Keating reported approximately $2 million in startup funds from the Lafayette Urban Renewal Authority (LURA), about $30,000 per year in loan repayments, and interest income. The administrative fee to the city ramps up over five years, starting at $30,000 in year one. An estimated $300,000 is projected for small business support and district support over the first five years.
  • Small Business Support and Retention: Board members prioritized facilitating conversations between property owners and business owners, creating a directory of properties and businesses, and developing small grant programs (e.g., $5,000–$10,000 for startups, signage, or ADA improvements). Faith Rogers explained that supporting small businesses now is critical to prevent the downtown from becoming too expensive, citing Boulder as a cautionary example. Ty Hubbard noted that small business success generates tax revenue.
  • Land Use and Character: The board expressed preference for preserving and adapting existing buildings over focusing on new redevelopment, while remaining open to infill proposals. They discussed using project-specific TIF reimbursement deals as a near-term tool. Board members cautioned that the DDA has limited funds compared to LURA and stressed the need to set expectations.
  • Marketing and Activation: The board leaned toward hiring a local, dedicated staff person rather than continuing with the outside consultant (Cone), emphasizing face-to-face relationship-building. Tim Barnes noted that many Lafayette residents are unaware of Old Town. Joanna Kagan cautioned that marketing staff is expensive, and the board acknowledged the need to evaluate cost-value trade-offs.
  • Connectivity and Infrastructure: The board identified the DDA's primary role as advocacy and helping the city understand business impacts of multimodal planning. Tim Barnes highlighted dangerous intersections, the need for a legitimate bike shop, and the importance of winter access.
  • Public Space and Placekeeping: Wayfinding received strong support as an early investment, along with improved parking lot signage and electric vehicle charging. Equity across character areas (e.g., South of Emma, Baseline) was a concern. It was noted that LURA is already funding $1.2 million in streetscape improvements and a pocket park at Kim Bark and Public Road.
  • Creativity and Culture: The board preferred supporting existing arts organizations rather than leading new initiatives. There was strong support for the DDA becoming a champion of the Lafayette Farmers Market, which requires $30,000–$40,000 per year to close Public Road; LURA previously provided $25,000. Keating said she would invite farmers market operators to a future meeting.

Key Outcomes

• The board directed staff to use the workshop input to prepare a draft budget for the August 11, 2025 meeting.
• A revised recommended budget is scheduled for the September meeting, followed by introduction to City Council in October and approval by resolution on October 28, 2025.
• Staff will invite the marketing consultant to present analytics and the farmers market operators to discuss support needs.
• Board members were encouraged to submit additional ideas to Executive Director Keating and to consider forming subcommittees.