UDA annual report shows busy year

|tab|

The 1999-2000 fiscal year was a busy one for the Urban Districts Alliance, which has operated at 304 W. McDaniel for three years with fewer than a handful of employees. The UDA is a nonprofit community development corporation that focuses on center city and its various business districts. |ret||ret||tab|

The UDA's recently released 1999-2000 annual report lists the organization's and its various committees' accomplishments during its last fiscal year.|ret||ret||tab|

After Lance T. Brown stepped down as the UDA's executive director to return to a career in real estate, the organization named a new executive director longtime downtown advocate and CPA Bill Compere. Brian Fogle acted as interim executive director while the UDA searched for a replacement for Brown. |ret||ret||tab|

In 1999-2000, the UDA assisted in the creation of the Community Improvement District, which was approved by City Council in September 1999. The UDA was also awarded the management contract for CID services. The CID Task Force, chaired by Brian Fogle, also named a CID manager. Barb Baker, who had previously served as the UDA's marketing and special events coordinator stepped into the CID manager position July 1. |ret||ret||tab|

The CID is now in the midst of a lawsuit filed against it and the city by 29 downtown property owners who claim the CID tax is unconstitutional. Oct. 10, arguments from both sides of the tax debate were heard in Greene County Circuit Court by Judge Timothy Perigo, who will make a decision on the issue by Dec. 31. If he rules the tax is void, downtown business owners will not have to pay the CID tax. |ret||ret||tab|

In 1999-2000, the UDA's Festival and Events Management Committee, chaired by David Belcher, finalized contractual agreements with various community organizations in the city to manage Artsfest, First Night, Frisco Days History Festival and Cider Days, and also served in an advisory capacity for the four UDA-managed events. |ret||ret||tab|

The Facade Loan and Community Development Block Grant Review Committee, chaired by Jan Horton, recommended to city staff nine facade loans for $20,000 each in 1999-2000. Facade improvements as a result of those loans were made at the Dairy Queen at 307 S. Jefferson and the School of Professional Massage at 229 E. Commercial, as well as at properties on South Avenue and Park Central East.|ret||ret||tab|

The committee also committed funds for construction on the Jefferson Avenue footbridge and plaza projects and approved $22,000 for a farmers market on Commercial Street. Downtown projects included banner installation, bicycle racks, benches and lighting, as well as $10,000 for Founders Park, and Walnut Street improvements included lighting, sidewalk and curbing and signage.|ret||ret||tab|

The UDA serves as the marketing and administrative arm for the Springfield Finance and Development Corporation, which was created by nine Springfield financial institutions. The goal of the SFDC is to provide nontraditional loans and investments to revitalize center city. During 1999-2000, the SFDC provided six loans totaling $240,000. SFDC is now in the process of obtaining new investments, and has set a goal of $300,000 in new capital, according to the report. |ret||ret||tab|

In October 1999, the UDA Board of Directors initiated a strategic planning process, which led to the adoption of an action plan to guide UDA activities and decision making The Financial Planning Committee was formed as a result of the action plan, according to the report. The committee advises the board on all matters pertaining to financial performance and financial planning issues. |ret||ret||tab|

|ret||ret||tab|

[[In-content Ad]]