Main Street Moves

Presented peer-reviewed sales tax analysis arguing Main Street revenue declines mirror citywide and national trends and stem from the weak economy, not the loss of parking.

The Across the Pond Alehouse owner disputed the integrity of polls on the closure and urged a reality-based approach that helps all businesses.

Argued the council cannot promise certainty to businesses because a future council could reverse the closure with a 4-3 vote, and urged honesty about parklet investments.

Urged an earlier meeting on reopening Main Street and criticized the city's handling of riverbed encampments, citing $300,000 in cleanup costs.

A downtown worker argued the real problems are low wages and housing costs, not parking, and urged investment in permanent supportive and public housing.

Said the pedestrian mall has drawn young families but the city lacks basic downtown infrastructure like restrooms, shade, and paving.

Asked the council to move up the November decision on Main Street so businesses know what to do about parklets before summer.

Sang an original song supporting keeping Main Street closed to cars and reported being threatened over the issue.

Called the ~$50 million plan a fiscal responsibility issue, arguing the proposed 1% sales tax is being marketed for streets, safety and parks with no mention of downtown spending.

Reported widespread misinformation online about the project and found only 55 of 83 petition-signing businesses have valid city business licenses — 29%, not a majority.

Said property owners agreed to withdraw their lawsuit and urged the council to come to the table, arguing the vision plan can't be built without destroying the downtown businesses it's meant to serve.

Asked the council to keep investing in the pedestrian downtown through ADA upgrades, landscaping, and activations.

Asked for FY 2027 funding for expanded ADA improvements and sustained activation programming through June 2027.