Mesa is simplifying the rules for downtown events following complaints that city bureaucracy has crushed merchants who want to make the area more lively.
The Mesa City Council agreed Thursday to scrap many hurdles so organizers are encouraged to hold events with less time spent applying for permits and licenses.
The city's action comes after a downtown business owner is ending sponsorship of the popular Motorcycles on Main monthly event, saying in part that city rules discouraged new events.
The city will work on specific rules in the next few months, with the idea that an events team with the city and the Downtown Mesa Association will do more to ensure events can meet city rules without disrupting anybody.
Organizers will see a less formal process, said Natalie Lewis, an assistant to the city manager.
"What our goal is, is to get out of the way and cut the red tape," Lewis said.
renew21 posted at 6:11 pm on Thu, Dec 9, 2010.
"get out of the way"? I dont think the city or its staff know how to get out of the way. That is total BS PC talk. Its about time they do cut the red tape, but if DMA and the city wants to form a team, guarantee that the events will be pathetic and will not be well attended.
Let what is going on to continue. Yes, the merchants organization/grass roots movement to make downtown lively. City and DMA, plan the big event, and fund the grass roots ones that HAVE been going on in Downtown.
Lets see what they do since Mr. Richards didnt play their political game, instead ran him out.