We appreciate the enthusiasm of those who attended the recent member/owner special meetings. Many people were eager to engage with potential Cedar Falls City Council and Mayoral candidates and requested some guidance on how to show support for the Co-op while doing so.
There will be a Cedar Falls Municipal candidate forum on October 18, 7:00-9:00 at Cedar Falls City Hall Council Chambers. (Thanks to the League of Women Voters for sponsoring this event.)
Feel free to express your support for the Rooted Carrot Co-op. Some possible themes or talking points include:
- What value do you see in bringing a Co-op grocery to Cedar Falls? How does this fit with your vision for our community?
- Are you open to a small-group or one-on-one meeting with some co-op board members/volunteers to learn about why opening a co-op grocery store requires special attention from elected officials?
- Resident surveys have revealed a strong desire for a grocery store in the downtown area. In order to accommodate The Rooted Carrot Co-op grocery downtown, would you be willing to make exceptions to some zoning rules for things like curb cuts & loading dock placement to allow delivery of goods to the store?
- How do you define the roles city staff, planning & zoning, and the council play in the approval of development projects? The success of a full line grocery store in the downtown district will hinge on collaboration and creativity at the city staff and commission/council levels. Are you willing to provide the extra time and energy to these kinds of conversations in order to see this project through to win/win for all?
If you have any questions or to request further guidance on these talking points, please email info@rootedcarrot.coop. Thank you for your support!