Renewal 2011

As you may know, the Kamloops Central Business Improvement Association (KCBIA) is primarily funded through a 5 year levy arrangement administered by the City of Kamloops.  This arrangement will expire on December 31, 2011.  We are seeking your support for renewing the levy for another 5 years.

The KCBIA has been in existence for the last 9 years and throughout that time has worked extremely hard to promote the Downtown core, increase its vibrancy and appeal as well as represent and act as a collective voice for the business community.  The results speak for themselves: increased customer traffic, lower vacancy rates, safer streets, improved streetscape design and appeal, new entertainment activities and enhanced tourism servicing.

Over the years we have initiated and developed many programs and initiatives to help make Downtown Kamloops a place that we will all want to live, shop, and play. We have had many successes including our Ambassador Patrol, many beautification projects, Complete Streets Initiative, events and much more.

We would like to spend the next five years improving and building upon our current successful programs and continue to advocate for our business community to promote even more change and growth in the Downtown core. We need to have this strong singular voice and organization working together to compete in today’s marketplace.  We welcome any and all of your support in this process.

If you have any questions or concerns please call our office at 250-372-3242 or contact one of our Board of Directors listed below. We also welcome your letters of support and will be sharing them online.  Thank you for your support.

Notable achievements in the past 9 years are as follows:

Leveraging: Last year (2010) our levy was $156,000 and through the utilization of community partnerships we managed to source an additional $163,540 which means we raised an additional $1.04 for each dollar of our levy. We leverage our property owner’s investment and double it (or better) through sourcing grants, sponsorships and in-kind donations. We foster partnerships with business, media, community groups and through member participation.

Strengthened relationship with the City of Kamloops: City councilors & staff attend KCBIA board & committee meetings and listen to concerns brought forward by the board and committee members. City staff regularly seek KCBIA input and consultation on current issues such as parking, street enhancements, bylaw changes and development permits.

Ambassador Program: We have uniformed ambassadors patrolling the KCBIA area on foot and bike each summer providing hospitality information to tourists as well as acting as an extra set of eyes and ears on the street. This program has been effective in deterring crime in the summer months and has helped to assist more than 10,000 tourists since its inception. Last year alone our Ambassadors picked up and disposed of 41 needles, called police 41 times and assisted 3591 visitors at our Downtown Information kiosk and while on patrol.

Events: Throughout the year we host or assist in many large events in the Downtown core. This includes our annual Spring Arts Festival, Downtown Merchants Market, Live at Lunch Music Program, International Film Festival, Lights in the Night Christmas Party, Santa Claus Parade and more. The result is a more vibrant and inviting downtown core for customers and patrons alike.

Proposed 5 Year Budget:

	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016
Core Revenue:
Property Owner Levy	162,500	180,000	189,500	199,000	208,500	218,000
Other Revenue	67,850	70,000	72,000	74,000	76,000	78,000
Surplus Carry Forward	9000.00
Total Revenue	239,350	250,000	261,500	273,000	284,500	296,000
Core Expenses	108,755	113,000	118,000	123,000	128,000	133,000
Marketing Expenses	67,540	70,000	73,500	77,000	80,000	83,000
Ambassador Program	58,000	60,000	62,000	64,500	67,500	70,000
Special Projects Expenses	5,000	5,000	6,000	6,500	7,000	8,000
Contigency Fund		1,500	1,500	1,500	1,500	1,500
Total Expenses	239,295	249,500	261,000	272,500	284,000	295,500
Net	55	500	500	500	500	500

Based on the Current Assessed Value provided to the KCBIA from the City of Kamloops, your Estimated Levy on:  X Address – Value $500,000

Current              2012                 2013                 2014                 2015                 2016

$294.59             $321.85             $338.83             $355.81           $372.79          $389.77

We are proud of what we have accomplished; however there is more to be done.  Our current annual funding collected from the membership is $162,500.00 or approximately $0.58 per $1000 assessed value.

Based on 2011 assessed values, a mill rate of $.643709 per $1000 of assessment would be required to raise the sum of $180,000 for 2012. An initial increase in 2012 of approximately $.07 on this to a rate of $0.643709 per $1000 of assessed value and $0.12 over 5 years would be required.  The increased funding will be used to expand and enhance existing programs and events and to embark upon new ones.  We are careful with your money: program expenditures are constantly reviewed and assessed by KCBIA staff under the direction of the board of directors to ensure value is generated for the membership.

Downtown is the heart of the City.
A strong healthy heart pumps lifeblood to all parts of the community.