
A vibrant, sustainable downtown Sarasota.
Leverage the combined energy and resources of private sector stakeholder associations thru collaboration, shared ideas, and group action on targeted initiatives.
The formation of THE CITY ALLIANCE
Beginning in late 2007, at the invitation of The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, a group of individuals and organizations with a shared interest in the future of downtown Sarasota began meeting at The Chamber. The group included merchants, property owners, residents, civic and business association members, volunteers and even a city official. Numbering between 15-20 people, the group has met regularly (every two weeks) for the past five months.
In the early going the groups shared their various projects and priorities and their aspirations for an economically vibrant and sustainable downtown. Projects were prioritized with the help of a facilitator and all of the participants began to feel that our shared interests were far more common than our differences. Various presentations were made on specific projects and a "top five" list which includes:
The Alliance is not structured like the many organizations that are included. It is a tru coalition with shared decision-making among four general categories of groups: Business/Civic, Merchants, Property Owners and Residents. Attendance at every meeting has included representatives of each of these groups. The outcome has been stronger relationships, mutual respect and a louder more consistent voice for the future of our downtown.
For more information please contact Del Borgsdorf, dborgsdorf@sarasotachamber.com
Click here to read the Alliance policy position
For more info on Connectivity, contact Rod Warner, Connectivity Chair, (941) 924-2400 or email: warnerrod@earthlink.net