October 21, 2004

TO:                  Mike Wildgen, City Manager

                        City of Lawrence

FROM:            Judy Billings, Director

RE:                   Request for Visit 2020 Funds

This memo is to request $7,000 from the Visit 2020 Reserve Fund to assist with permanent installation of lights to line downtown buildings for the holidays.

This is a one-time request.  The lights will be installed and remain permanently to be turned on for special events such as the holiday season.  Future maintenance of the lights is intended to become a responsibility of DLI.

Since lighting the trees along the sidewalks downtown is no longer an option, I believe this is a good use of these funds.  As you know, we promote holiday events and shopping to potential out of town visitors. Holiday shopping is estimated to be 80% of the annual sales for small businesses and the holiday atmosphere contributes to spending.

Thank you for your consideration.

Cc:  Lavern Squier

       Maria Martin