POSITIONING DOWNTOWN TO BE DEVELOPMENT READY

REGISTER

Making use of every inch of a downtown building helps both property owners with cash flow and downtown residents bring activity, life, and customers to downtown. Because many downtowns have so many underutilized and/or vacant buildings, there is great deal of opportunities for this activity. Public/private partnerships can make a positive difference for communities trying to encourage this development or redevelopment, particularly in their downtowns. But sometimes apathy, lack of readiness, misinformation, and shortage of knowledge of the available development tools prevent development. In this fast-paced presentation, participants will learn about tested tools and strategies that can be used to help communities with downtown economic development and downtown housing development. 

Note: Early registration ends on Thursday, September 5!

Learning Objectives:

1. 1. Explore useful downtown development policies to support real estate development, housing, business retention/expansion, and the creation of integrated partnerships
2. Develop incentives that encourage property and community development projects as an economic development tool.
3. Illustrate principles through successful case stories.
4. Gain participant understanding of principles through facilitated and interactive conversation.

Presented By:

Michael Wagler, Main Street Iowa Coordinator, Iowa Economic Development Authority

Michael Wagler is the Main Street Iowa Coordinator at the Iowa Economic Development Authority. Michael has worked with the Main Street Iowa team in different capacities since 2002. Prior to becoming the Coordinator in 2012, he served as a Main Street Design Specialist providing comprehensive planning, historic preservation, and design services to Iowa’s downtowns and Main Street programs. Michael has also worked in a consulting role in states throughout the nation including: Oregon, New Mexico, and Wisconsin. He earned a B.F.A. in Historic Preservation and Architectural History from the Savannah College of Art & Design in Savannah, Georgia. Michael earned his Master’s degree in Community & Regional Planning from Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa.

Jim Thompson, Downtown Economic Development Specialist, Iowa Economic Development Authority

Jim currently serves as a Downtown Economic Development Specialist covering all areas of development for downtowns & Main Street districts. He has served in all aspects at the local level including program director, board member and volunteer. Jim earned his Certified Main Street Managers (CMSM) credentials through the Certification in Professional Main Street Downtown Management Institute at the National Trust for Historic Preservation. He engages communities in market analysis including data analysis, business retention, recruitment, and implementation strategies. He has also led efforts in tax increment finance, housing & real estate development, and one-on-one business technical assistance for Iowa’s communities.