ADVOCACY

The Downtown Chamber of Commerce is committed to strengthening Downtown through practical,

results-oriented legislative initiatives that improve public safety, encourage investment, reduce unnecessary regulatory barriers, and create an environment where businesses, residents, visitors, and developers can thrive.

This policy brief presents a strategic legislative agenda designed to promote sustainable economic growth while enhancing the overall quality of life Downtown.

Through collaboration between government, the business community, law enforcement, developers, and civic organizations, these initiatives provide a roadmap for responsible redevelopment and long-term prosperity.

Building Code Modernization
Public Safety Camera Initiative
Habitual Offender Ordinance
Continued implementation of the Vape Shop Ordinance

Together, these initiatives create a balanced strategy that supports economic development while improving public safety and quality of life.

LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES

BUILDING CODE ORDINANCE

Objective

Reduce unnecessary regulatory costs associated with converting commercial buildings into residential housing.

Benefits

• Encourages redevelopment

• Reduces project costs

• Increases Downtown housing

• Creates new tax revenue

• Costs the City virtually nothing to implement

Current Status

Meeting completed with Steve Regan, Yarone Zober, and Ankur Sakaria.

PUBLIC SAFETY CAMERA ORDINANCE

Status

Currently being drafted by Steve Regan.

Benefits

• Supports law enforcement

• Improves Downtown security

• Complements the Cultural District Camera Initiative

• Increases visitor confidence

VAPE SHOP ORDINANCE

Status

Successfully passed by City Council.

Impact

Protects neighborhoods while establishing clearer business standards.

Purpose

Improve pedestrian safety while addressing recurring nuisance activity affecting businesses and visitors.

HABITUAL OFFENDERS ORDINANCE

Purpose

Strengthen enforcement against repeat offenders and provide meaningful consequences for chronic criminal behavior.

Benefits

• Supports police efforts

• Improves public safety

• Reduces repeat offenses

• Creates safer commercial corridors

Economic Development Strategy

The proposed legislative agenda is designed to:

• Reduce barriers to investment

• Encourage adaptive reuse of vacant properties

• Increase residential occupancy

• Support local businesses

• Improve visitor experiences

• Enhance Downtown competitiveness

Public Safety Strategy

The Chamber recognizes that economic growth and public safety are directly connected.

Recommended initiatives include:

• Expanded camera coverage

• Stronger enforcement tools

• Improved collaboration with public safety agencies

• Increased business engagement

• Data-driven crime prevention

Expected Economic Impact

Implementation of these initiatives is expected to:

• Increase private investment

• Accelerate redevelopment

• Improve business confidence

• Expand Downtown housing

• Enhance visitor perception

• Strengthen public-private partnerships