Business Committees
Business Committees

Programs & Functions

Economic Development in Downtown Longview

Purpose

 

Embrace the Main Street philosophy and utilize the four point approach toward preservation and rejuvenation of the downtown area.
 
Objective
Create and implement a comprehensive plan to transition downtownLongview as a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly urban village offering products, services, arts and entertainment that better reflects our community's rich and diverse heritage.
 
Strategies
 
Organization
  • Work towards building consensus and cooperation among all stake holders within the original 100 Acres of Heritage.
  • Focus on raising money for projects and administration, from donations and sponsorships.
  • Manage staff and volunteers by recruiting people, providing supervision, and rewarding good work.
  • Promote the program to downtown interests and the public.
 
Promotion
  • Market the district’s unique characteristics to shoppers, investors, new businesses, and visitors.
  • Develop an understanding of the changing market with both potential shoppers and our competition.
  • Identify our downtown assets, e.g. people, buildings, heritage, and institutions.
  • Help define our Main Street’s market niche, its unique “position” in the marketplace.
  • Create a new image campaign, including special events and promotions to lure people back downtown.
 
Design
  • Identify the district’s best assets, such as historic buildings and traditional downtown layout, to begin creating/enhancing the story which conveys a visual message explaining Main Street and what it offers.
  • Provide educational forums to educate business owners, tenants, and interested citizens about good design and how it impacts each business as well as the district.
  • Provide good design advice by encouraging quality improvements to private properties and public spaces.
  • Guide the planning of Main Street’s development by helping shape regulations.
  • Motivate others to make aesthetic changes, and create incentives by targeting key projects.
 
Economic Restructuring
  • Assist existing downtown businesses expand and recruit new ones to respond to today’s market. 
  • Develop a clear understanding of the district’s current economic condition and identify opportunities for market growth.
  • Strengthen existing businesses and recruit new ones.
  • Identify new economic uses for traditional Main Street buildings.
  • Develop financial incentives and capital for building rehabilitations and business development.
  • Monitor the economic performance of the district.