(rdnewsNOW file photo)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

MESSAGE FOLLOWS COUNCIL DECISION

DBA reaffirms support to businesses amidst exploration of new downtown funding model

Apr 25, 2025 | 11:20 AM

Following a recent city council motion to review the disestablishment of the Business Improvement Area (BIA) in Red Deer and explore new funding models, the Downtown Business Association (DBA) would like to affirm that this marks an opportunity for the area.

On April 22, council passed the tax bylaw for the BIA and started down the path to finding a more reliable funding model to support the DBA and its work.

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Read more: Red Deer city council approves 2025 tax bylaws, hears economic development update, and more

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“This is not a setback, it’s an opportunity. An opportunity for growth, sustainability, and a governance model that reflects the realities and ambitions of Red Deer’s downtown business community,” the DBA comments.

The organization says its members have been working under a levy-based funding model applied to businesses in the BIA for over 40 years. While this model may have been successful in the past, the DBA feels it no longer adequately serves the downtown business community in Red Deer.

“The DBA board and CEO firmly believe that businesses within the BIA should not bear the financial burden alone, and that downtown’s vibrancy extends beyond current BIA boundaries, including vital business hubs such as Capstone and Railyards,” it says.

While the DBA has worked to fulfill its mandate through beautification projects, events and placemaking initiatives, businesses have needed increasing support amidst today’s economic and social challenges.

In an effort to address these challenges, the DBA leadership team has been advocating to council for change since 2022. Its key priorities are:

• The current funding model must evolve to better reflect the needs of a modern downtown.
• The growth of Capstone must be balanced with investments in the entire downtown core.
• Businesses beyond BIA boundaries deserve equal support and representation.

In 2024, council unanimously supported the exploration of a new governance model for the downtown area by establishing the Downtown Governance Committee, which is currently working on solutions to the funding challenge.

Regardless, the DBA wants to assure the downtown business community that it is here to advocate and support their interests.