[OMS_MANAGERS] Economic Vitality Committee

[David Milliron]

Hi Tyler. You may already be aware of the document I've attached from the Oregon Main Street program, which provides a comprehensive overview of Economic Vitality (EV) within the context of historic preservation and community development. I would be interested in hearing about other ideas and programs in other communities, but in the interim, here are key highlights and ideas from the document that could be adapted for the City of Dallas:

1. Organize an EV Volunteer-Led Business Visitation Program: Engage volunteers to build relationships with local businesses (p. 2).

2. Host Business Roundtable Events: Discuss timely topics of interest to district members (p. 2).

3. Business and Stakeholder Networking Events: Foster camaraderie and idea sharing (p. 2).

4. Create a Private Facebook Group for Business Community Members: Facilitate information sharing (p. 2).

5. Conduct Annual/Biennial Business Surveys: Identify business needs and target resources (p. 2).

6. Work with Partners to Inventory and Promote Business Assistance Resources (p. 2).

7. Create a District Owner’s Manual: Include a "who to call" directory for assistance (p. 2).

8. Host Continuing Education and Training for Business Owners and Managers (p. 2).

9. Use Window Treatments to Highlight Opportunities: For example, "This space is not empty, it's full of opportunity!" posters (p. 3).

10. Organize Open House-Style Property Tours: For prospective businesses, entrepreneurs, and investors (p. 3).

11. Work with Property Owners on Best Uses for Properties: Consider adaptations for multiple uses or tenants (p. 3).

12. Research to Identify Business Types and Uses Based on Market Demand (p. 3).

13. Share Market Information with Existing Businesses: Especially those that can fill gaps or expand (p. 3).

14. Gauge Demand for District Housing: Consider styles, amenities, price points, etc. (p. 3).

15. Host Housing Tours to Showcase District Living and Opportunities (p. 3).

16. Review Land Use Plans and Ordinances: Ensure compatibility with targeted development (p. 3).

17. Work with Economic Development Partners to Enhance Local Entrepreneurial Support Systems (p. 4).

18. Stage a Business Start-Up or Business Plan Contest: Offer low entry costs or test market concepts (p. 4).

19. Help Entrepreneurs Navigate Start-Up Processes: Promote a business-friendly environment (p. 4).

20. Create a Business Start-Up Guide (p. 4).

21. Work with Local Code Officials to Map Permitting Processes (p. 4).

22. Develop Online Business Start-Up Content and Resource Directory (p. 4).

23. Package Information for Developers: Outline key steps in the local development process (p. 4).

24. Identify and Pursue Tools and Resources for Problem Properties or Investment Catalyzation (p. 4).

25. Build Strong Relationships with District Property Owners, Business Community Members, and Economic Development Partners: Focus on high-touch communications and meaningful discussions (p. 5).

These ideas, derived from the Oregon Main Street program's approach, emphasize building relationships, leveraging existing assets, and creating a vibrant, diverse economic environment. They can be tailored to fit the specific needs and characteristics of Dallas.

Best,

David

---
David A. Milliron, Credentialed City Manager (ICMA-CM)
City of North Bend, 835 California Ave, OR 97459-0014
541-756-8536 | dmilliron at northbendcity.org<mailto:dmilliron at northbendcity.org>
North Bend: Coast, Community, Culture<https://www.northbendoregon.us/>.



From: OMS_MANAGERS <oms_managers-bounces at omls.oregon.gov> On Behalf Of Tyler Ferrari
Sent: Tuesday, November 14, 2023 9:09 AM
To: Oregon Main Street Network Members <oms_managers at omls.oregon.gov>
Subject: [OMS_MANAGERS] Economic Vitality Committee

Hi all,

We are looking to rebuild our economic vitality committee and we are close to getting it done. I wanted to reach out and see what creative ideas your committees have worked on in the past to see if we can adapt some of them for our up and coming committee.

I appreciate your help as always!! Have a great week.

Tyler Ferrari
Economic Development Specialist
503-831-3579
[https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/mail-sig/AIorK4zMubk4EJ-I9n6ucAQRulloWYECC0yhJZMcDJVLKImaDsYoRiwY99p7IrXLXThEinZ7VcAeOGk]
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <https://omls.oregon.gov/pipermail/oms_managers/attachments/20231114/c6851066/attachment-0001.html>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: MS101_EV.pdf
Type: application/pdf
Size: 1969107 bytes
Desc: MS101_EV.pdf
URL: <https://omls.oregon.gov/pipermail/oms_managers/attachments/20231114/c6851066/attachment-0001.pdf>