2026 Downtown West Orange Alliance Budget Narrative.pdf

1 Downtown West Orange Alliance 2026 Budget Narrative Introduction This year’s proposed operating budget totals $320,298.00, reflecting the cash revenue and expenditures of the Downtown West Orange Alliance. In addition, the Township provides $28,000 in in-kind support, including office space and utilities, which is not reflected in the operating total. The budget reflects a focused investment in planning, marketing, promotion, economic development, and organizational growth. Revenue is generated through a combination of Special Improvement District assessments, Township of West Orange contributions, grant funding, fundraising efforts, and prior year surplus. Our programming includes Downtown Thursday events, the West Orange Street Fair, Holiday Open House, and Restaurant Week — each designed to drive visitation and strengthen economic activity within the downtown corridor. This year, the Downtown West Orange Alliance successfully achieved national accreditation for the 26th consecutive year through the National Main Street Center. In 2024–2025, the accreditation process was strengthened to emphasize measurable impact, strong governance, financial accountability, and strategic implementation aligned with the nationally recognized Main Street Approach™. The Downtown West Orange Alliance will continue to engage with business and property owners, residents, and community partners while advancing initiatives that promote the long-term stability and competitiveness of our downtown district. Revenue The assessment portion of this budget totals $150,000, utilizing the established three-tier system as sanctioned by ordinance. The tiers are based on the type and location of commercial properties within the downtown corridor. This assessment represents a measured adjustment from prior years and reflects the increased cost of delivering downtown programming, corridor-wide beautification, economic development initiatives, and public events that support visitation and business growth. There are currently 182 properties providing commercial space for more than 300 businesses, including restaurants, retail establishments, and personal and professional service companies. Funding sources for the 2026 budget include Special Improvement District assessments, Township cash contributions and in-kind services, fundraising revenue, prior year surplus, interest income, and a

Funding sources for the 2026 budget include Special Improvement District assessments, Township cash contributions and in-kind services, fundraising revenue, prior year surplus, interest income, and a $72,189 Transformation Strategy grant secured to implement strategic initiatives aligned with the district’s adopted Transformation Strategy, including targeted business recruitment, placemaking improvements, and enhanced marketing efforts. Together, these revenue sources ensure the continued delivery of programming, beautification, marketing, and business-support services that strengthen the downtown business district.