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:

• implement the redesign of Fruitville Road from US 301 to US 41as an attractive gateway to downtown and the bay front
• establish a downtown improvement district
• pursue the city's project to make Tamiami Trail through the downtown corridor pedestrian-friendly for easy access between downtown and the bay front
• faithfully implement the city's master plan
• continue to develop a Downtown Historic District

     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.