Research

Since the formation of the Durango Business Improvement District, approved by taxpayers in the District in 1997, the Board of Directors has set aside funding to complete District research projects. The following research has been completed, on behalf of businesses and taxpayers of the District:

• Feasibility Study of a Durango Conference Center: This research was done by Convention, Sports & Leisure, Int’l (CSL, Int’l), and completed in Fall 2001. A summary of the report is included in the research tab “CSL Conference Center Study”

• Ten Communities Research: Research in 2002 was completed by Kristen Hartzell of PEN, Inc on comparable communities to Durango. On behalf of the taxpayers of the District, the PEN, Inc research compared Durango to 10 other communities in terms of conference centers, special events and downtown activities or programs. A summary of the report is included in the Research tab under “Ten Communities Survey”

• Architectural Feasibility on the former Morehart building in downtown Durango, completed by Dallas Reynolds, locally based architect. Based on the research, the District decided to not move ahead with a possible purchase. A local developer and architect eventually purchased the former Morehart building, and converted it into office and residential condos, thus contributing to downtown Durango revitalization.

• Special Event “Post Event” reports are completed by each organization that sponsors a special event. This feedback from each special event is used for future planning for next year’s events. Special event feedback forms are required if an organization is seeking BID marketing grant funding in future years.

• Annual Feasibility & Research Budget: Each year the Directors allocate a line item in the annual operating budget for research and feasibility.