SPOTLIGHT

So… What About Downtown Pueblo?
by Amy Gasperetti

We all love the car shows and festivals! We hear the buzz about the expansion of The Riverwalk or Convention Center, but other than packing the streets a few times a year to eat Bar-B-Que, buy chiles and listen to the bands, do you give downtown Pueblo much thought? Should you?
Here’s an interesting fact: the strength of a city and its economy can be directly connected to the strength of it’s downtown area (or city center).
So…beyond the scheduled festivities that draw attention to our “city center”, what about the day to day success? There are some GREAT shops throughout the area, but there are still too many vacancies in the business buildings and not enough people coming to eat, shop and play. I think we can all agree this needs to change but here’s a big question??? WHO IS GOING TO…

• Market to help drive daily traffic to the area?
• Work to develop or recruit businesses and anchor stores to fill vacancies?
• Make our city center a well-known and desirable destination for residents and visitors alike?

I’m happy to report that there is an answer! The Pueblo City Center Partnership (PCCP) is working to do all this and more. Until this year when they were able to hire their first employee, the PCCP has been a group of volunteers who take time away from their own businesses and give from their experience and resources to affect positive change and make a significant contribution toward the economic growth of Pueblo. The plan is currently modeled after the successful Downtown Denver Partnership, being careful to factor in our unique culture and historic features because we all know…things are just different here in Pueblo. From property and business owners to the Chambers of Commerce, SBDC and even our colleges, everyone is working together to create a thriving city center. There is too much in the works for me to give you all the details here but I can give you a peek at one exciting addition coming soon. PCCP in conjunction with the city of Pueblo are receiving a grant to re-introduce THE TROLLEY to our community in 2013. If you want the complete overview of current work and future plans, you’ll have to visit their website at www.pueblocitycenter.com, I think you’ll be impressed.
How can you help?

• Plan a day or a weekend downtown every month
• When you have out of town visitors, take them to the riverwalk, grab a bite to eat, show them the local shops, art galleries and our outdoor art/sculptures (downtown art walk)
• Tell people about your great finds in the city center and encourage them to check it out
• Do business locally whenever possible
• Play our first PUEBLO BINGO in our current issue and Have Fun!!!