"Buy Dallas" Campaign

[GarrettCarey]

From today's Dallas Business Journal...at least they are trying!
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City launches 'Buy Dallas' campaign

Faced with a projected budget shortfall, the city of Dallas is launching a "Buy Dallas" campaign to encourage residents to shop at home to boost sales tax revenue.

City Councilman Ed Oakley, along with Mayor Laura Miller and other members of the Council, kicked off the campaign Wednesday by unveiling several billboards that are part of a series of public service announcements.

Dallas' budget is expected to be short $83 million in the coming year. The city's general fund is projected to decline by $18 million in sales tax revenue, which represents a loss in taxable sales of $1.8 billion.

Oakley said he believes some of the shortfall could be alleviated if Dallas residents are aware of the importance of shopping within the city limits rather than driving to area suburbs.

"The purpose of this campaign is to tell our residents we need for them to shop in Dallas," Oakley said in a statement. "Simply put, we are asking them to think before they spend money."

Members of the Dallas Outdoor Advertising Association agreed to donate space on multiple billboards, Angle Media Inc. created a campaign in consultation with ThePulpit.com, and Leigh Pettibone and Characters Inc. donated creative services.

[bloodandpopcorn]

No more online shopping for me!

[MustangMonkey]

I think one of the biggest problems has been people shopping outside the city limmits, but who knows how much lost revenue is due to the tax free internet.

Most of you know that I am for major tax reform at the metroplex level, which would translate to tax reform at the state level. I think the fact that the state collects all its revenue from sales-tax puts it in a vulnerable posittion. Just another reason for the State of Texas to rethink its tax structure. IMHO

[GarrettCarey]

It seems a little late to realize that there are budget problems in our city!

I agree Mustang that too many residents shop outside of the Dallas city limits, but I am not sure about the tax free internet being a big contributor to the lost revenue. It is unfortunate that too many leave Dallas to shop. I personally know several people who cannot stand shopping at North Park and the Galleria (too expensive, the people, too crowded, etc). What other practical options do people have?

BUT....I support Dallas and will continue to do my part by shopping, eating, etc in the great city of Dallas!

[GarrettCarey]

From the <a href="http://dallas.bizjournals.com/dallas/stories/2002/06/24/editorial2.html":D allas Business Journal</a>
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The "Buy Dallas" campaign that made its debut recently asks residents to just say no to all those nice suburban malls and restaurants and spend their money within the city limits instead. Why? Because, as the slogan cleverly notes, "It Paves."

Fair enough. But we hope this isn't what passes for economic strategy at City Hall these days. What's next for Big D? A telethon?

During the last mayoral election, we commented that then-candidate Laura Miller's quest to fill potholes in Dallas was noble, but wondered where she would find the money to do so, since she seemed to lack any plan for expanding the economy, or even, for that matter, a respectful stance toward business generally.

Billboards might shame some Dallasites into "municipally enlightened" spending, but forgive us for expecting something more substantial. Emotional appeals can save the whales, but not outmaneuvered cities. Dallas hasn't been serious enough about competing with surrounding cities for growth opportunities, retail or otherwise. And now, as tax revenue slumps, residents get a guilt trip.

What a shame.