Downtown Lincoln Association
Official Position Statement
City Council Agenda Item
Consider Fee Waiver and Approval of F Street Closure and Plaza for Farmers Market / Community Event The Downtown Lincoln Association (DLA) supports events and activities that enhance Downtown Lincoln, strengthen our local economy, and create opportunities for residents, visitors, and businesses to come together. We appreciate efforts to bring additional activity into our downtown and recognize the value that well-organized community events can provide.
However, should the City Council approve the requested fee waiver and recurring street closures for this event, the DLA respectfully requests that the City establish clear, consistent, and transparent guidelines outlining eligibility and criteria for future fee waiver requests by all nonprofit organizations.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the DLA organizes and manages numerous established community events throughout the year that are intended to benefit Downtown Lincoln, local businesses, and the community as a whole. These events are volunteer-driven and are not conducted for the financial gain of the DLA.
We also believe it is important to distinguish between nonprofit community events and events operated as commercial enterprises. While the proposed Farmers Market includes participation from nonprofit organizations such as the Rotary Club and the Lincoln Area Chamber in community programming, the market itself is organized as a for-profit venture in which vendors and the event organizer generate revenue.
The DLA is not opposed to the Farmers Market or its success. Rather, we encourage the City to adopt a fair and equitable policy that applies consistently to all organizations seeking similar consideration. Establishing objective criteria for fee waivers and recurring street closures will provide transparency, ensure equal treatment of nonprofit organizations, and help support the continued growth of community-focused events that benefit Downtown Lincoln.
The DLA looks forward to continuing its partnership with the City of Lincoln to foster a vibrant, thriving downtown for the benefit of our businesses, residents, visitors, and the community as a whole.