Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution authorizes a Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit plans to implement programs and activities for a business, nonprofit or other entity to implement at the Top of State Area. The intention is that accepted proposals will not seek any form of City funding and are stand-alone operations. Any agreements that are negotiated as a result of this RFP will go before the Common Council for approval. No appropriation is required with the approval of this resolution.
Title
Issuing a Request for Proposals to solicit innovative and inclusive activation proposals (commerce, programming, etc.) for a business, nonprofit or other entity to implement at the Top of State Area.
Body
WHEREAS, the “Top of State” area at the intersection of State Street and the Capitol Square is the heart of Downtown Madison, one of the highest-traffic pedestrian intersections in Wisconsin and an important public gathering space for the community; and,
WHEREAS, this area also can experience negative activities including littering, fighting, and drug trafficking; and,
WHEREAS, for the last several years, the City has worked with community partners including the Central Madison Business Improvement District and Downtown Madison Inc. to implement a variety of strategies to address these issues including physical design changes to the space, increasing police enforcement, adding programming, and creating street vending opportunities; and,
WHEREAS, these efforts have made improvements, but they are resource-intensive and problems in this area persist; and,
WHEREAS, Top of State is a focal point of the community and a valuable asset for the City with the potential to contribute to Downtown in a more positive manner; and,
WHEREAS the recently adopted "Ensuring a Vibrant Downtown Retail Destination: A Retail Assessment and Strategy for Downtown Madison” (RES 15-00206, Legislative File #36697) recommends implementing programs and activities that activate the dow...
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