DDA approves beautification task force; resolution calls for consultant-led fact-finding

The Downtown Development Authority on May 11 approved a resolution creating a DDA-managed Beautification Task Force that will conduct community outreach, collect recommendations and present a work product to the DDA for review prior to any submission to the city.

Under the resolution discussed at the meeting, the task force is a fact-finding body without independent decision-making authority; the DDA board will retain the authority to shape and approve any final recommendations before they go to the city commission. Staff and legal counsel explained the process and said the board intends to hire a facilitator to organize meetings and compile findings. Staff estimated consultant costs in the range of $25,000–$50,000 depending on scope.

Board members debated timing, membership and funding. One board member urged a rapid timeline to seat the task force, while staff cautioned that recruitment and review would likely take more time; several members suggested private-sector contributions could help implement short-term items and offset consultant costs. The board approved the resolution on a roll-call vote.

Next steps staff described include finalizing task force membership criteria, preparing a consultant scope of work, and returning to the board with a budget request and timeline for outreach and deliverables.