ECONOMIC VITALITY

Goal:  To strengthen and broaden the economic base of the Main Street district.

Economic Vitality Projects:

• Support City’s Phase 2 for continued facade improvements.
• Organized Available Buildings Tour in spring, 2018.
• Java & Juice in Jefferson events since March 2017.
• Support Small Business Development Center and Iowa Central Community College business workshops.
• Challenge Grant applications for Sensibly Chic, Prairie Lakes AEA apt. and The Public House.
• Recruitment Team training and involvement with prospects.
• Open4Business competition entry each year.
• New business incentive brochure for businesses locating in Main Street District.
• Building and business inventory visits and updates.
• Support City-acquired buildings in Main Street District with volunteer help.
• Business After Hours events supporting Marketing and Social Media topics.
• Assisted with Community Catalyst Grant application for The Forge in 2018.
• Advanced Market Analysis and Top Prospect Survey.
• RAGBRAI Impact Survey
• Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for 13 facades in 2017.
• Celebration Stroll to celebrate CDBG completion.
• Empty Building Tour in 2015.