How to bring more visitors into downtown Bend is just one of the objectives that the Downtown Bend Business Association wants to address this year. Executive Director, Chuck Arnold says they are proposing a new rate of $.18 per square foot in every business to help pay for improvements, maintenance and promoting in the downtown area. "Our goal, going into 2012 & 2013 fiscal year, is to really work to market and brand downtown with locals. And really invite locals to come back down and enjoy and experience downtown, especially those that have not been coming downtown. So we're really looking at doing a comprehensive marketing campaign, and that's what the adjustment of the rate really seeks to accomplish." Arnold says many of the 375 businesses are clearly on board with the proposed new rate that would only add about $3, on average, each month. He says there will be a public hearing in the March and May City Council meetings; and upon approval will take effect in June.