Page 316 - CityofArlingtonFY26AdoptedBudget

Champion Great Neighborhoods

Goal 2: Expand and Enhance the City’s Image
Objective 2: Develop a Sense of Place
Project Performance Measure(s) Department(s)
CGN Farmers Markets Projection Competition Planning & Development Services
2.2.4
Summary:
Update:
In March 2023, Staff began working with the Community Following productive meetings with Downtown Arlington
and Neighborhood Development (CND) committee to leaders on December 4, 2024, and with the City Council on
discuss the vision for Farmers Markets in Arlington and February 25, 2025, to review the language of the license
then work with the Municipal Policy Committee (MPC) for agreement, plans are in place for the Downtown Arlington
recommendations regarding regulation updates. Farmers Market to officially launch on March 29, 2025. The
market will operate every Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00
Between June and August of 2023, city staff prepared and p.m. through November.
presented an overview on Farmers Markets, proposed
their vision, and began analyzing nearby city’s farmers The market will be managed by an experienced operator
markets operation. with a history of running successful markets across
multiple cities. It will offer a variety of products, including
In December 2023, city staff developed feasibility surveys fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and artisan
to collect feedback from potential consumers and vendors. items.
Staff also determined the dissemination plan to collect the
desired response. The market will operate under a one-year license
agreement with options for two additional two-year
Staff returned to CND with survey results and a feasibility extensions. Key terms of the agreement include:
analysis report in March 2024. The responses for both
consumers and vendors were overwhelming in favor of • Escrow for cleanup: A $1,000 escrow to cover any
allowing farmers markets in Arlington. necessary cleanup costs.
• Annual use fee: A $500 fee for the market's
CND discussed Downtown locations including the Levitt annual use of the space.
Pavilion, Meadowbrook Park, and Doug Russell Park. • Insurance: A $1,000,000 insurance policy to
Committee members also discussed third party operation ensure proper coverage.
of a proposed farmers market as well as partnership
opportunities with UT-Arlington. The market area will need to be returned to its pre-market
condition by 4:00 p.m. each market day. In addition, the
CND directed staff to send out a follow up survey with market will require a Temporary Outdoor Special Event
targeted questions about locations in the Downtown area. Permit and health permits for vendors selling food
CND would also like feedback on targeted locations from products. Vendors will need to meet strict health and
third party operators of farmers markets. safety standards, including proper food handling and
sanitation measures.

This project is now complete.

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