2015 Year In Review
2015 Year In Review DDA Vision & Mission The mission of the DDA is to advocate for the interests of the downtown area in terms of marketing and branding; business recruitment and retention; public policy, managing and maintaining physical improvements, capital projects, programming, and taxing authority. The vision of the DDA is a downtown that... View Article
2015 Year In Review
DDA Vision & Mission
The mission of the DDA is to advocate for the interests of the downtown area in terms of marketing and branding; business recruitment and retention; public policy, managing and maintaining physical improvements, capital projects, programming, and taxing authority.
The vision of the DDA is a downtown that is stable and growing; encourages economic development and business diversity; is walkable and pedestrian friendly; and is safe and clean. This is a downtown in which business, residents and visitors can take pride, visit frequently, and use to its fullest potential.
Projects
• Downtown GF identified as the “hot spot” in the media.
• Led the charge in getting American Flags place along Demers Ave in downtown. The City was very happy about this addition and I’m glad it was our organization that could make it happen.
• Completed a goal of adding Walk [Grand Forks] signage around downtown as a way to recognize how easy it is to walk or bike versus using a vehicle.
• Biggest surprise was probably the Blue Man. There were a lot of people that didn’t see the purpose of this sculpture, but after involving artists and partners, the community sure embraced his presence downtown after the Santa hat was stolen in December. Over 46,000 people were reached on Facebook with over 271 people shared the post on FB. The community rallied around, what we like to call this “piece of art” in downtown and it has helped establish what all downtowns strive for – connection with the community.
• Our first “red banner alert” worthy news of 2015! The community overwhelmingly embraced a goal the DDA had to decorate Town Square and add an ice skating rink.
• With help from partners at CVB, Downtown Grand Forks made the MSN Travel List of Top Holiday Attractions in the country.
• Approached by a Rotary group in GF to lead a year-long fundraising (2016) effort to build a warming house/multi-purpose structure in Town Square for the DDA! Partners in planning and strategy include Rotary, JLG, UND, GF Parks District, and City Planning.
• Many community entities are wanting to be involved in downtown’s growth!
Events & Activities
Downtown CleanUp Days (EOW: June – Sept.)
•Taking ownership of downtown cleanliness.
•Doubled in volunteers helping clean up downtown this year.
Annual Art & Wine Walk (Monthly June – Oct.)
• Over 2,000 guests participated; many were visitors to our community.
• Very successful season of Art and Wine Walk.
Annual Blues on the Red Concert Series (Monthly June – Aug.)
• Our first season of taking over the event • Over 5,000 people attended
• Successful execution of Blues on the Red in regards to attendance and positive media coverage. Tightened partnerships already involved and added a key title sponsor for the next three years – Happy Harry’s Bottle Shops!
• Did not seek 2016 city special event funding for this event – first time in 9 years!
Small Business Saturday (Occurred Nov. 28)
• Coordinated several businesses downtown to offer discounts/gifts when guests show a receipt or bus pass.
• Became a Neighborhood Champion with American Express for the national Small Business Saturday event and gained media coverage for downtown businesses – all of which are partners of the organization thus strengthening the partnership.
HollyDazzle Festival of Lights (Occurred Nov. 29)
• Kids activities, choirs and s’mores in Town Square, carriage rides, parade, and fireworks.
• Estimated over 5,000 people attended • Successful execution of HollyDazzle Festival of Lights in regards to attendance and positive media coverage.
Giving to Downtown Grand Forks
Volunteers and in-kind donations
• Over 2,000 volunteer hours in Downtown Grand Forks!
• Approximately $13,000 in in-kind donations for downtown events/activities!
Strategic Partnerships
• City Planning and Community Development Department
• City Public Works Department
• City Police Department
• GF Housing Authority
• Greater Grand Forks Convention & Visitors Bureau
• Grand Forks Parks District
• North Valley Arts Council
• Altru Health Systems/GGF Healthy Choices Coalition
• Greenway
• UND
• Economic Development Corporation
• The Chamber of GF/EGF
• And more
Strengthened key partnerships for future downtown growth with many City departments, UND, CVB, GFPD, GF Parks District, Housing Authority, Young Professionals, Greenway, EDC, The Chamber and more.
• In a show of our leadership in the community, the DDA was invited to join the Mayor, city council members and lead businesses/organizations in the community in Fort Collins to observe and learn about downtown growth and vibrancy. This was a big step in the community recognizing our organization as a viable resource and partner in growing the community.
• In addition, we were invited to join a group of organizations and social service groups to visit a transitional housing facility in Duluth. We had several discussions this summer about the number of homeless in our downtown this year and it is an honor to sit at the table as, again, a strong voice that groups depend on when looking at ways to improve the quality of life in downtown.
• We’ve taken the lead in being a voice of downtown business and property owners in downtown. We’ve led or been invited into conversations about capital improvement projects, parking, bike and walkability, road construction plans, and more. As a mission of the organization, we knew this was going to be a marathon rather than a sprint – meaning it was going to take time to gain the trust of downtown stakeholders. In this last year, we’ve made leaps and bounds in gaining that trust and have organizations like Edgewood Management asking us to help with alley and curb-cut projects, and the city asking us to gauge downtown stakeholder opinions to report back to city council. These are huge wins for our organization and helps plant our roots in viability and sustainability.
