Parker, Colorado (Photo Melody Jones)
Parker citizens know that Parker, CO is a great place live.
One reason is that the town provides top-notch services and amenities. Shopping locally helps maintain these town-provided services and amenities, keeps residents working, and helps local businesses thrive.
The town of Parker kicked off a “Go to Town” campaign in 2009, encouraging people to “live, work, shop and play locally”. Parker experienced strong growth in recent years and is home to a wide variety of businesses and shopping venues to meet every need, and to provide sales tax funding for the town.
Keeping money local provides a sales tax base that is a significant percentage of the Parker annual budget. According to the December 2009 Parker newsletter, the town gets $3 for every $100 purchase made. Fully two-thirds of total town revenue is generated from taxes and more than 80 percent of that is sales tax.
Why is it important to shop locally and support a strong sales tax base? Sales tax provides funding for services and amenities such as:
- Public safety – police services and animal control
- Public works – street maintenance, snow removal, and parks maintenance
- Parks and Recreation improvements – Parker Fieldhouse, the new Railbender Skate and Tennis Park, trail improvements, and improvements to several parks.
Keep the Parker economy strong and shop locally. For an expansive list of Parker businesses, check out the Parker Chamber of Commerce web site.
Check out these Parker, CO articles:
- Neighborhoods 101: Where can I find information about Parker, Colorado?
- Parker #4 on Forbes list 'America's 25 Best Places to Move'
- Neighborhoods 101: What are the crime statistics for Parker, Colorado?
- Parker History 101: Information and resources
- Used book store in Parker a hidden gem
- Poor Richard's Book Shoppe in Parker offers thousands of titles, generous coupon
Melody Jones is a Parker resident and Colorado native. Subscribe to her articles on her home page, follow her on Twitter, and join the Parker Examiner Facebook page.
Comments
Such a good idea no matter where you live. Keep the money at home,
I have to agree with Francie and you, Melody. This is especially true with smaller towns and neighborhoods. Good article!
I strongly agree with this article. We all know of small businesses, some who have been around for decades, closing shop. In every town, Main Street is what started the community....we must support them!
Good point - Main Street was the starting point for everybody!
I would much rather stay close to home and shop. A thriving community is a strong community. I would much rather support the small, hometown merchants then the big box stores.
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