Mayors reccomendations on Vendors

Prevent a ban on vendors in NoDa by organizing a community-regulated vendor program that meets city and business standards while preserving the unique, creative culture of the area.

đź“Ł Messaging

 To City Council:

“Rather than banning vendors who give NoDa its unique culture, we propose a community-regulated solution that promotes order, safety, and economic opportunity for all.”

To Businesses:

“This gives you more control over the vendor presence, more visibility for your business, and a cleaner, more structured environment.” 

To Vendors:

“We’re fighting for your right to be here—but we need you to be part of the solution.”

Common Concerns From Council & Businesses (Anticipated)

  1. Lack of Regulation – Vendors showing up unannounced, taking up sidewalk space, or creating congestion.

  2. Safety & Cleanliness – Trash left behind, fire code issues, or blocking access.

  3. No Economic Oversight – Businesses feel vendors “freeload” without paying rent or city taxes.

  4. Noise, Competition, or Crowds – Especially at night or during high-traffic events.

đź’ˇ Your Solution: NoDa Artist & Vendor Cooperative Program (NAVCo)

A community-led program that:

  • Registers and rotates vendors for scheduled market days

  • Ensures vendor compliance with community guidelines

  • Creates revenue for NoDa via low vendor fees that support cleanup, promotion, and safety

Key Features of NAVCo:

1. Designated Market Zones

  • Clearly defined vendor areas (Ex: by Johnston YMCA lot, 35th St, etc.)

  • Avoids congestion near business entrances or emergency lanes

  • Works with fire and zoning code requirements

2. Scheduled Vendor Days

  • Ex: Thursday evenings, First Fridays, Sundays from 12–6

  • Special permits for events or holidays

  • Avoids overcrowding or unsanctioned pop-ups

3. Vendor Registration & Code of Conduct

  • Small fee ($5–10/day) goes to trash cleanup, signage, admin

  • Includes commitments to:
    âś… Leave no trace
    âś… Stay within marked spaces
    âś… Be respectful of noise, time, and surroundings

4. Business Collaboration

  • Local businesses can sponsor or “host” a vendor (cross-promotion)

  • Businesses get input on placement and schedule

  • Encourages mutual respect and shared foot traffic

5. City Council Partnership

  • Show leadership with a proposal: “We fixed it before it became a problem.”

  • Offer to pilot the program for 90 days, collect feedback, and iterate

  •  

đź“‹ Key Components to Propose:

âś… Registered Vendor Spots

  • Numbered, rotating spots (limit congestion)
  • Easy for vendors to sign up in advance
  • Priority to locals or returning artists

đź•’ Set Vendor Times

  • Thursdays 4–9 PM
  • Sundays 11–6 PM
  • First Friday Art Nights 6–10 PM
     (or whatever works best with your rhythm and council expectations)

đź’° Nominal Fee with a Purpose

  • ~$10 per session
  • Goes directly to:
    • Trash bags, cleanup, flowers, mural touch-ups, lighting, signage
    • Optional community projects (e.g., repainting benches, trash patrol)

🌱 Community Giveback Initiative

  • Each vendor gives 1 hour/month toward a NoDa beautification effort (or funds it)

Public scoreboard: “These vendors give back. Do you?”

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