Laramie City Council approves downtown development MOU with Main Street Alliance

The Laramie City Council took a significant step towards revitalizing downtown Laramie during their recent meeting, approving a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at updating the city’s downtown development plan. The original plan, established in 2011, is due for a refresh to reflect the evolving needs and goals of the community.

City staff presented the MOU, which formalizes a partnership between the City of Laramie, the Laramie Main Street Alliance, and the Downtown Development Authority (DDA). The updated plan will focus on key areas such as streetscape design, parking strategies, pedestrian access, and urban design improvements, all intended to guide future public and private investments in the downtown area. The city has allocated $63,000 for this initiative, with plans to begin the consultant selection process once the MOU is signed.

Council members raised questions regarding the financial contributions of the Laramie Main Street Alliance and the DDA, both of which currently show zero contributions in the MOU. Vice Mayor Richardson clarified that the MOU was modeled after previous agreements when funding was available, but noted that the current financial landscape has changed. The council discussed the need for clearer language in the MOU to reflect the reality of funding contributions.

Public comments included concerns about job opportunities in the downtown area, emphasizing the need for better employment options beyond minimum wage positions. The council acknowledged these concerns while reiterating the importance of the downtown development plan as a guiding document for future growth.

As the city moves forward with this plan, the collaboration between the city and local organizations aims to create a vibrant and accessible downtown that meets the needs of its residents and visitors alike. The anticipated outcomes include a comprehensive framework that aligns with current economic conditions and community priorities, setting the stage for a revitalized downtown Laramie.