Title
Downtown Organization Research
Brief Description: Council discussion regarding the Ohio Main Street program, managed by Heritage Ohio.
Body
Legislative History
City Council workshop discussion on May 19, 2023 per 23-0018.
Purpose & Explanation
Councilor Karen Heater requested that the Ohio Main Street Program discussion be added to a workshop agenda. This topic was previously discussed by City Council on May 19, 2023 with no formal consensus to move forward at that time.
Information from the May 2023 Council file (23-018):
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
Submitted by,
Thomas J. Sheridan, City Manager
Gr...
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