As Louisville braces for its lowest sales tax collections since 1999, it has become glaring apparent that all the environmentalists in Boulder really were driving in their car -and leaving Boulder - to shop after all. With the opening of the new Home Depot at 29th Street in Boulder last January, the gravy train of hybrids and SUVs from Boulder came to an end. As one of the major sources of taxes (along with Lowe's), this slap by the competitive marketplace is hitting Louisville hard. City staff is preparing Louisville City Council for a few years of budget cuts. Right on the heels of being named one of the
Top 5 Places to Live in 2005 by Money Magazine.
With a Super-Walmart on Hwy 287 starting construction this fall, Louisville may see tax dollars going out of town while the generosity of Boulder's shoppers continues to erode. Oh yeah, and Lafayette just offered Super Target $6 million to build there as well. The city is working on a "Shop Louisville" campaign that will entice residents to stay close when shopping, but it will be tough. Although people hear the shop local message, the sad truth is most shop convenience and price first. As an anti-Walmart person myself, this reality is depressing.
Do you shop only in town? Why not? Your thoughts may help your city officials figure out how to keep you and your neighbors close. Note: City officials can't make any business locate in their community. Make sure your ideas have tens of thousands of sympathizers - with spending money.
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