“What’s Up Salida”, a monthly community-wide networking event kicks off the New Year in Salida from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 18.
Held at the Salida Community Center at 305 F Street, the informal get-together engages a variety of attendees including business owners, elected officials from the County, as well as the City of Salida and the Chamber of Commerce, along with anyone wanting to know more about what’s happening in Salida.
What’s on your mind?
“What’s Up” is a valuable opportunity for the community to share and connect. The previous meeting on Dec. 21 included discussions about Monarch Mountain and the local retail economy, plus updates from Public Health and Colorado Mountain College.
And while there is no set agenda, timely local-level questions might concern updates and next steps from the Jan. 16 back-to-back city council session. Those topics included wayfinding signs and constructive ideas for improving a possible 2024 summer F Street Plaza.
Ask your elected officials: Paid Parking and STR rates
Two other key ordinances heard at first reading, from the regular council meeting the same night, will likely be of keen interest to downtown merchants and residents. The first concerns a turnkey contract with Interstate Parking Management to handle paid parking in the core area, with a a goal of freeing up spaces for everyone. November sales tax collections will also be top of mind.
The second, deals with reduced nightly fees for short-term rentals, which would cut approximately $174,00 annually from collections, While providing relief for some STR owners, it reduces money meant for workforce housing. Both ordinances, if passed on first reading Jan. 16 are slated for second reading and public hearings on Feb. 6, 2024.
In order to arrive at a common level of understanding and efficiently use Thursday’s meeting time, attendees are encouraged to read both ordinances in the City Council packet (jump to hyperlinked items 11 and 12, respectively) before questioning elected officials and staff.
Keynotes will include information from downtown merchants, uptown businesses, and others.
There will also be Chamber updates and time for “community buzz”, where any member from the community can ask questions and hold brief discussions.
Coffee will be provided, bring your own reusable mug if you wish
While everyone is busier than ever at this time of year, organizers suggest that this extended “coffee break” might enlighten your workday and put you in touch with other people you might not otherwise know.
Featured image: Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash
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