DOWNTOWN RECOVERY INITIATIVE
The Downtown Recovery Initiative is an effort created by DLA to actively support small businesses as they recover from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The work of this initiative has already begun, as DLA provided low-cost PPE to downtown service workers, built a pop-up Takeout Patio to promote support of local restaurants, surveyed consumers to gauge changing needs, increased marketing efforts, and more.
As COVID-19 continues to prevent the full re-opening of businesses, the Downtown Recovery initiative will focus on what businesses need to stay strong. Those efforts will include:
The Downtown Gift Card Program, a new community gift card that can be used at 40 participating downtown locations.
Business support through constant communication and education.
Additional outdoor dining locations throughout downtown to encourage restaurant patronage and provide safe, distanced outdoor seating.
Comprehensive market study to provide direction for future business expansion and investment.
Shopping events, with in-person and online options, to boost retail revenue for downtown businesses.
New public art installations to attract downtown visitors in a more distanced manner.
Continued marketing and promotional campaigns to push the “support local” message.
Revival and organization of First Fridays, a monthly art walk, either virtually or in-person.
Return to small public events once again as restrictions are lifted.
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