Since 2004 the Santa Clarita City Council has contributed to a public/private partnership with the Santa Clarita Automobile Dealers Association for a shop-local advertising campaign.

This year, and the next three, will be no different as the city council voted to kick in $60,000 to the partnership.

Association President Don Fleming said he’s proud of the city council and they have a great partnership.

“A great example is the streetscape improvements on Creekside which make the street a great place to shop,” said Fleming.

The Shop Local Program targets local residents, and is based on an ad campaign that shows the benefits residents receive as a result of making a local purchase. Additionally, sales tax revenues generated locally are reinvested back into the community in the form of increased public improvements and services.

“Shopping local is important because keeping our tax dollars in this community helps build parks, roads and helps pay for sheriffs and firemen,” Fleming said.

According to the city, auto sales are a significant economic force. In calendar year 2010, new motor vehicles sales represented 15.7 percent of the city’s annual sales tax revenue, for a total of $3,822,312.

City Manager Ken Pulskamp was enthusiastic about the return on the city’s investment.

“From my perspective I’ll make that deal all day long,” he said.