Let’s save City Market.

Let’s find a way to make sure the wonderful old building doesn’t go the way of other beloved Indiana traditions — such as thriving county courthouse squares and a strong manufacturing sector.

How can we do this?

Well, John Cochran, one of Mayor Greg Ballard’s top aides, called last week to say the City Market board, of which he is a member, is working to “redefine the market” and make it self-sufficient. That’s in response to word that city penny-pinchers are tired of spending a modest amount each year to help operate the 1880s-era building.

So far, much of the public attention has surrounded the idea of putting chain restaurants inside the market to bring it into the black. Based on e-mails and phone calls I received last week, many think a Starbucks or something similar wouldn’t change the historic atmosphere of the market. That’s a debatable issue. As that debate continues, let’s look at what else could be done to save City Market.

1.We’ll start with basic management. The market, with a $945,000 annual budget, is overseen by a politically appointed, 13-member board. That’s a lot of people for such a small enterprise, particularly in a city that struggles to fill its many boards and commissions. Consider this: Microsoft, with annual revenue of $60 billion, has a 10-member board. Perhaps a smaller City Market board would be more proactive and less bureaucratic. Also, the board should be dominated by experts in food service, tourism, financial management and Downtown issues.

2.Start marketing the market. A paltry marketing budget is not generating the buzz needed to boost traffic and remind people that life continues at the east end of Downtown. Fortunately, the market’s new day-to-day leaders understand this and are working to boost the market’s profile.

3.Here’s a suggestion that comes up often in conversations with frustrated City Market customers: Require vendors to accept credit and debit cards. Much has changed in the 123 years since the market first opened. There’s no excuse for a lunch destination not accepting plastic in 2009.

4.The most common complaint about City Market is that its food options are underwhelming. Obviously, that’s a complicated, long-term issue — it’s hard to attract better vendors without more customers, and vice versa. But the market could do plenty to lure people back in the short term. The Wednesday farmers’ market is working well. So how about an occasional weekend art fair, or a regular beer garden on the outdoor patio? Anything to make the market feel like more of a community gathering place.

5.And, finally, here’s something you — yes, you — can do to help the market: Eat there occasionally. Don’t complain about parking (hey, that’s city life) and don’t say the walk is too long (it’s roughly 10 minutes from anywhere Downtown) and don’t gripe about the food (some of it is quite good). If you want to see City Market survive and thrive, do it a favor: Head over there for lunch this week.