What would happen in the short term if Wal-Mart left Lafayette?
Wal-Mart currently accounts for almost one-fifth of all retail sales in the City of Lafayette, and almost one-seventh of all sales and use tax collected by the City. With the prospect of the existing store closing, the City would immediately have to reduce spending to make up for the impending short fall. Staff layoffs, possibly including police, a reduction in Recreation and Senior Center staff, hours and programs, support for local non-profit groups, etc., would all be possible. It would also put in jeopardy the Citys ability to continue making critical open space purchases, since the sales tax revenues dedicated to open space would also be reduced.
