Title
Downtown Organization Research
Brief Description: City staff researched how peer communities manage their downtown districts. The research was pursued to compare the Hudson community’s framework to peer communities, see what other frameworks are in use, and determine any improvements that may be appropriate to implement.
Body
Legislative History
None
Purpose & Explanation
Hudson currently has multiple organizations working to advance the downtown and additional merchant/retail areas in the community. In recent years the organizations collaborated on establishing the DORA District, joint marketing, outdoor dining, and increased programming.
Staff researched several peer communities including those with long term successful Main Street Programs, those that were formerly a Main Street Community but have since dissolved, and communities that have a successful organization framework that is not through Main Street.
The Hudson community currently lacks a Main Street program or formal downtown organization; however, has extensive services provided by existing stakeholders. The attached matrix details the downtown services typical of a full Main Street program and what services/efforts are provided locally.
Going forward, additional dialogue is needed with the community stakeholders to further define the desired enhancements/programs for the community, determine which organizations can best address them, and establish the organizational framework to implement such.
Timing Considerations
None
Fiscal Impact
Currently Budgeted (Account #, $)
Supplemental Appropriation Required (Account #, $)
Appropriation Not Required.
Recommendation
Suggested Action
Staff recommends City Council review the attached documentation and provide feedback regarding the current organizational framework for the downtown and possible enhancements to engage existing stakeholders about.
Submitted by,
Thomas J. Sheridan, Interim City Manager
Greg Hannan, Community Development Director
Katie Behnke, Economic Development Manager
Rhonda Kadish, Community Relations Manager