Short Term Action items (six months to one year)

Policy

• Find a political champion for Downtown 
• Commit to creating and enforcing first-floor retail occupancy requirement

Analysis

• Conduct a full assessment of existing retail in Downtown Buffalo – use results to help determine niche, identify gaps 
• Conduct market research survey of downtown employees to test and refresh results of 1998 employee survey 
• Identify retail spaces currently available and in leasable condition 
• Identify local and national retail prospects with requirements and merchandise which match our market characteristics

Implementation

• Seek ways to improve marketing of downtown retail opportunities 
• Enhance Key to Downtown or develop similar program to better market existing retailers 
• Develop a collaborative structure to advocate for retail development 
• Prepare marketing materials identifying updated downtown retail strengths for use by property representatives and Realtors 
• Develop a menu of downtown entry level retail opportunities including expanded sidewalk vending, participation in the Tuesday Farmers Market, interior and exterior kiosk markets, a summer or holiday kiosk market, along with technical business development support

Medium Term Action items (one to three years)

Implementation

• Address short-term parking issues 
• Bring available retail space up to code possibly with incentives 
• Create education program for realtors, retailers, consumers and property owners on the benefits of Downtown retail. 
• Create Revolving Loan Fund for retailers 
• Design program to attract local entrepreneurs to open retail businesses. 
• Work with the Small Business Development Center at BSC 
• Develop retail incubation space Test the market with special programs

Long Term Action items (three to five years)

Implementation

• Develop a year-round indoor Farmer’s/Specialty Market

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