November 8
Downtown Partners is calling on the community and downtown stakeholders to help keep downtown moving forward as their strategic plan is put into action. Brad Segal, with Progressive Urban Management Associates (P.U.M.A.) has just completed a strategic plan for Downtown Partners that builds upon and enhances the groups’ action items over the next three to five years. Segal has been working with Downtown Partners and the community since February of this year to gauge the characteristics and visions for downtown Sioux City.
After meeting with over 120 downtown stakeholders, analyzing the responses from a community wide survey, meeting with the Downtown Partners Board of Directors on several occasions and consulting national trends, Segal writes, “The 2016 Downtown Partners Strategic Plan finds downtown Sioux City poised at a key crossroads of opportunity. National trends support new investment and growth in downtown markets. Sioux City is just beginning to experience these trends with new interest in downtown residential, office and retail segments.” Downtown Partners board president, Ryan Ross says, “This has been an exciting project to be involved in as a board member and as a business owner in downtown. Brad has provided direction and insight that will strengthen our economy and provide more opportunities for the public to be involved in shaping the future of downtown.”
Ragen Cote, executive director for Downtown Partners, responded to the report. “We are encouraged by the comments and passion from our community to see downtown be successful. As an organization, we are energized by the results and want to use these suggestions to seize upcoming opportunities. The goals mentioned in the report complement our efforts and will keep things moving forward.” Three areas of focus have been identified from this recent action planning process that Cote hopes will encourage the community to get involved in future projects.
To get involved in any of these initiatives, please contact Ragen at ragencote@downtownsiouxcity.com (712) 252-0014 and/or plan on attending the upcoming meetings listed below:
ECONOMY:
Goal: Attract new investment to downtown, including new businesses, jobs and housing.
Initiative example: To establish business support services that compiles market & property data and provides policy leadership representing the downtown business community.
Monday, July 18 at 11:00 a.m. at the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce (101 Pierce Street)
COMMUNITY:
Goal: Unify and strengthen the influence of downtown’s various stakeholder groups, including property and business owners, employees and residents.
Initiative example: To organize the downtown residential population by engaging residents in efforts to attract new amenities and services that enhance downtown’s appeal for living.
Thursday, July 21 at 10:00 a.m. at Downtown Partners (418 Pierce Street)
ENVIRONMENT:
Goal: Make place-making improvements to public spaces, roadways and streetscapes to make downtown more walkable, bikeable and livable.
Initiative example: To improve the pedestrian and bicycle experience to support housing and business development by advocating for “complete street” concepts on key corridors that connect different parts of downtown.
Wednesday, July 20 at 12:00 p.m. at Cannon Moss Brygger (302 Jones Street, 2nd floor)
Downtown Partners in a non-profit organization that works with stakeholders to create a vibrant, expanding downtown. What makes Downtown Partners unique from other City of Sioux City groups, organizations and government departments is that they identify and address the specific needs of downtown stakeholders and serve as the communication hub for downtown businesses. In this role, they collaborate with businesses that have similar needs and interests, represent downtown businesses through city processes, facilitate and coordinate revitalization efforts, encourage economic development, and promote Downtown Sioux City.
For more information on Downtown Partners and their initiatives and to view the strategic plan, please visit www.downtownsiouxcity.com or call (712) 252-0014.
For the full report please click on our links below:
APPENDIX 1 Downtown Partners Sioux City Roundtables
APPENDIX 2 Downtown Sioux City Survey Summary