(rdnewsNOW file photo)

By Josh Hall | @Vancan19

levy up 5%, optimism also on the rise

Council approves 2024 budget for Downtown Business Association

Dec 5, 2023 | 2:07 PM

The 2024 budget for the Downtown Business Association (DBA) has been approved by Red Deer city council.

The DBA will invest more time, money and energy into downtown events this year, as noted by Executive Director Amanda Gould and Board Chair Brandon Bouchard in their presentation to city council this week.

The pair wish to create a busier downtown, also known as the Business Improvement Area (BIA)

“The DBA remains steadfast in its objective to build on the growth seen in 2023,” says Gould. “The collaboration between The City of Red and the DBA is at all time high and with the pending actions set to be delivered through the Downtown Activation Playbook, I know there are many great things to come that will support our business community and create the thriving downtown we all want to experience.”

As the City explains, the DBA’s budget is partially funded through the BIA tax levy, collected by the City. This year, the levy is increasing five per cent.

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City council approves the budget after considering how it aligns with the municipality’s community priorities.

“DBA has constantly hit far above its weight in our downtown, I can’t think of a more supportive messenger of promotion than the team at the DBA, it’s so encouraging to see this strong support for our downtown,” says Mayor Ken Johnston. “I’m encouraged by the leadership and direction of the DBA and look forward to what they have in store for 2024. They continually bring positive initiatives to the downtown even with the constraint on finances.”

The DBA’s total budget for 2024 is $775,160, with $277,725 funded through the BIA, and the remaining amount funded through items such as grants and contracts.

The Downtown Business Association has been operating in Red Deer for more than 30 years, serving approximately 350 businesses.