Downtown Revitalization

Aberdeen March 4-6, 2014
Idaho Commission on the Arts offers grants for a variety of arts-related projects, including murals and arts education. Go to http://www.arts.idaho.gov/. Contact Michelle Coleman, Michelle.Coleman@arts.idaho.gov, 208-334-2119.

Idaho Humanities Council offers funding for projects that incorporate cultural heritage. Go to www.idahohumanities.org/.

Idaho Heritage Trust offers technical assistance for preserving older buildings. Go to http://www.idahoheritage.org/. Contact Katherine Kirk, 208-549-1778.

Montana Community Development Corporation offers new market tax credits that can help finance building projects. Go to http://mtcdc.org/loans/new-markets-tax-credits/.

The Idaho Department of Commerce’s Idaho Gem Grant program provides funding for public infrastructure projects that support economic development. Examples of eligible activities include: construction materials, new and rehabilitative construction, architectural and engineering services, and property acquisition. Grant amounts are up to $50,000. Go to http://commerce.idaho.gov/communities/community-assistance/idaho-gem-grants/. Jerry Miller, jerry.miller@commerce.idaho.gov, 208-334-2470.

Idaho Main Street program. Go to http://commerce.idaho.gov/community-programs/idaho-main-street-program/. Jerry Miller, jerry.miller@commerce.idaho.gov, 208-334-2470.

National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Main Street Program. Go to http://www.nationaltrust.org/community/resources.html and http://www.mainstreet.org/; 202-588-6219, mainstreet@nthp.org, Info@savingplaces.org.

Western Office National Trust for Historic Preservation. Go to www.PreservationNation.org, Sheri Freemuth, AICP, Program Officer, P.O. Box 9107, Boise, ID 83707, 208-891-4121, sheri_freemuth@nthp.org.

The City of Nampa created a revolving loan fund for restoring building facades in its historic downtown. Go to http://ci.nampa.id.us/downloads/30/FA%C3%87ADE%20IMPROVEMENT%20PROGRAM.doc.

Southern Idaho Rural Development is involved in successful business creation and downtown revitalization efforts in Shoshone and other southern Idaho communities. Contact Julia Oxarango-Ingram, 208-309-3090, jingram@csi.edu.

“Organizing a Successful Downtown Revitalization Program Using the Main Street Approach” is a book available through the Washington Department of Trade and Economic Development. Go to http://www.commerce.wa.gov/_cted/documents/ID_160_Publications.pdf.

RampUpIdaho is a new effort being developed by a group of folks representing transportation, business, housing, government, economic development and accessibility. The group is planning to compile a list of resources and outline a simple rationale for businesses, chambers of commerce, and other groups to begin thinking more strategically and collaboratively about access. Contact info@rampupidaho.org for more information.

Main Street: When a Highway Runs Through It is an excellent book published in 1999 by the Oregon Department of Transportation to educate communities about pedestrian safety and community design associated with highways within city limits. http://www.contextsensitivesolutions.org/content/reading/main-street/resources/main-street-when-a-highway/.

Idaho Transportation Department, District 5 office in Pocatello. Ed Bala is the District Engineer, 208-239-3300, ed.bala@itd.idaho.gov. To inquire about completing a road safety audit, contact Brent Jennings, Highway Safety Manager,  208-334-8557, Brent.Jennings@itd.idaho.gov.

Great Rift Business Development Organization. Go to http://greatriftbusinessdevelopment.com/. Contact Kristen Jensen, 208-380-1719, kristenrjensen@gmail.com.

To encourage re-use or redevelopment, many cities have completed and are maintaining a vacant building inventory. One example is Hickory, North Carolina. Go to http://www.hickorync.gov/eGov/apps/document/center.egov?view=item;id=4681.

Some communities have used New Markets Tax Credits to rehabilitate historic buildings, which then become the cornerstones of their downtowns. Contact Jerry Miller from the Idaho Department of Commerce, 208-334-2650, jerry.miller@commerce.idaho.gov.

The National Park Service has a historic tax credit that can be paired with New Market Tax Credit. Go to: http://www.nps.gov/tps/tax-incentives.htm.

The HUD Hope VI Main Street grant program provides grants to small communities to assist in the renovation of a historic or traditional central business district or “Main Street” area by replacing unused commercial space in buildings with affordable housing units. The objectives of the program are to redevelop Main Street areas, preserve historic or traditional architecture or design features in Main Street areas, enhance economic development efforts in Main Street areas, and provide affordable housing in Main Street areas. Go to http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=235258 or contact Jerry Royster from HUD at: jerry.royster@hud.gov.

Energy Efficiency Research Institute (CEERI) based at Boise State University is a project of the Center for Advanced Energy Studies. It provides student engineers from BSU, University of Idaho, and Idaho State University who conduct industrial assessments and full energy efficiency evaluations. Go to http://ceeri.boisestate.edu/.

Rocky Mountain Power provides energy efficiency evaluations. Contact Glen Pond, glen.pond@rockymountainpower.net, 208-359-4285.

The CHS Foundation invests in the future of rural America, agriculture and cooperative business through education and leadership development. The Foundation's funding focuses on the following program areas: cooperative education, rural youth leadership development, farm and agricultural safety, returning value to rural communities, and university partnerships. Go to http://www.chsfoundation.org/about.html.

The USDA Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) funds projects dealing with agriculturally related manufacturing and alternative and renewable energy technologies. Go to http://www.nifa.usda.gov/fo/sbir.cfm.

Energy Performance Contracting is a performance-based procurement method and financial mechanism for building renewal whereby utility bill savings that result from the installation of new building systems (reducing energy use) pay for the cost of the building renewal project. A "Guaranteed Energy Savings" Performance Contract includes language that obligates the contractor, a qualified Energy Services Company (ESCO), to pay the difference if at any time the savings fall short of the guarantee. Go to http://energyperformancecontracting.org/.

Idaho Department of Environmental Quality offers help for brownfield assessments and clean ups. Go to http://www.deq.idaho.gov/waste-mgmt-remediation/brownfields.aspx. Contact Eric Traynor, 208-373-0565, eric.traynor@deq.idaho.gov.

USDA’s Farmer’s Market Promotion Program (FMPP) offers grants to help improve and expand domestic farmers’ markets, roadside stands, community supported agriculture programs, agri-tourism activities, and other producer-to-consumer market opportunities. Go to http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/FMPP.

For an example of an event in Michigan that builds on local food, art and heritage, go to http://www.artsandeats.org/index.html.

Learn about the City of Glenns Ferry’s downtown revitalization efforts here: http://glennsferryidaho.org/downtown/. Volunteer labor and financial sponsorhip of individual downtown furnings (lights, benches, etc.) by individuals, businesses, and community organizations significantly contributed to the success of this effort.

Idaho Department of Commerce – Community Development Block Grant Program can fund lighting, street trees, sidewalk, and other downtown project. Go to http://commerce.idaho.gov/communities/community-grants/community-development-block-grant-cdbg. Contact Sharon Deal, sharon.deal@commerce.idaho.gov, 208-334-2650 ext. 2137.

Idaho Department of Commerce’s Show Me the Money funding newsletter. To subscribe, go to http://idaho.us2.list-manage2.com/subscribe?u=74de75b2fc7e24670e05b0def&id=a1f3c8c6b9 – Contact Jerry Miller at jerry.miller@commerce.idaho.gov or 208-334-2650, ext. 2143.

Created and maintained by the Idaho Department of Commerce, Gem State Prospector is an on-line inventory of available buildings and properties in the state. Businesses and the real estate agents looking to expand or relocate in Idaho use this website to identify potential sites. Go to http://www.gemstateprospector.com/. Contact Jerry Miller jerry.miller@commerce.idaho.gov, 208-334-2650, ext. 2143.

Several communities are showing family-friendly movies in city parks and downtowns. For examples, go to http://www.meridiancity.org/movienight/, http://cityoflapwai.com/, and https://www.facebook.com/pages/Idaho-Movie-Nights/182075851856660.

Puffy Mondaes (artisan community space). Go to http://www.puffymondaes.com/classes.php.

For an article and resources on successful efforts to fill vacant downtown storefront windows with local art, go to http://ruraltourismmarketing.com/2011/03/using-art-in-vacant-storefronts-to-rebuild-a-small-town’s-future/.

The City of Hailey has created a temporary “pop up” town square within street rights-of-way. Go to http://thebluereview.org/pop-up-town-square-hailey-idaho/ to read an article describing the project.

In recent years the City of American Falls has completed multi-million dollar complete street project with support from agricultural producers and truckers. Contact Jeremy Piersol, City of American Falls, 208-226-2569, or Kristen Jensen, Great Rift Business Development, 208-380-1719.

For ideas and best practices about organizing a community or downtown clean up fundraiser program, go to http://www.fundable.org/fundraising-ideas/community-cleanup-fundraisers/.

The Idaho Chapter of the American Planning offers an annual conference and a variety of on-line resources to help communities and their leaders plan for growth that protects traditional small town character and achieve other community goals. Go to http://idahoapa.org/.

The Planner’s Web (formerly known as the Planning Commissioner’s Journal) is an excellent on-line source of information related to comprehensive planning and zoning. It is oriented toward community leaders and planning commissioners. Go to http://PlannersWeb.com/.

True West: Authentic Development Patterns for Small Towns and Rural Areas by Christopher Duerksen and James Van Hemert. Published by the American Planning Association (2003).

The Western Planner strives to provide a network of information and education about the unique aspects of planning in the Great Plains and the West. Western Planner is known for its annual conference, bi-monthly magazine, and website. Go to http://westernplanner.org/.

The Idaho Transportation Department publishes a funding catalog of federal, state, and local funding opportunities for transit, bicycle and pedestrian facilities. The catalog also includes technical assistance grant opportunities for strategic and comprehensive planning. Go to http://itd.idaho.gov/bike_ped/Funding%20Guide.pdf.

Sandpoint September 17-19, 2013

The Idaho Department of Commerce’s Main Street Program. Go to http://commerce.idaho.gov/communities/main-street. Contact Jerry Miller, 208-334-2470, jerry.miller@commerce.idaho.gov.

National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Main Street Program, 202-588-6219, http://www.nationaltrust.org/community/resources.html and http://www.mainstreet.org/, mainstreet@nthp.org.

Western Office National Trust for Historic Preservation. Go to www.PreservationNation.org. Contact Sheri Freemuth, Program Officer, 208-891-4121, sheri_freemuth@nthp.org.

Organizing a Successful Downtown Revitalization Program Using the Main Street Approach is a book available through the Washington Department of Trade and Economic Development. Go to http://www.commerce.wa.gov/_cted/documents/ID_160_Publications.pdf.

Main Street: When a Highway Runs Through It is an excellent book published in 1999 by the Oregon Department of Transportation to educate communities about pedestrian safety and community design associated with highways within city limits. It has many ideas Sandpoint might consider even though Highway 2 traffic is being re-routed out of the downtnown. http://www.contextsensitivesolutions.org/content/reading/main-street/resources/main-street-when-a-highway/.

“Smart Towns: A Guide to Downtown Revitalization”, Idaho Department of Commerce, 208-334-2470, www.idoc.state.id.us.

‘Operation Facelift’ is a successful multi-community façade renovation project initiated by the Southern Idaho Economic Development Organization. Go to www.southernidaho.org, 208-324-7408. Here is a news article on the project: http://tinyurl.com/3btu23h.

Wayfinding: The Value of Knowing How to Get There is an article on wayfinding published by the American Society of Landscape Architects in 2011. Go to http://www.asla.org/ppn/Article.aspx?id=33861.

For an overview of wayfinding design principles, go to http://www.ai.mit.edu/projects/infoarch/publications/mfoltz-thesis/node8.html.

The International Downtown Association offers webinars and other tools related to wayfinding. Go to https://www.idadowntown.org/eweb/dynamicpage.aspx?webcode=ISAWayfinding.

Excerpts from the Urban Wayfinding Planning and Implementation Manual is available here: http://www.signs.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=OgUOP7EmZxU%3d&tabid=1446.

Some communities have used New Markets Tax Credits to rehabilitate historic buildings, which then become the cornerstones of their downtowns. The National Park Service has a historic tax credit that can be paired with New Market Tax Credit. Go to: http://www.nps.gov/tps/tax-incentives.htm.

Idaho Heritage Trust. Go to http://www.idahoheritage.org/. Katherine Kirk, Executive Director, 208-549-1778, IHT@idahoheritage.org.

The Yellowstone Business Partnership uses training, research, and other forms of support to help businesses and communities in the Greater Yellowstone Area achieve the following goals: (1) promote green building and development, (2)  encourage responsible business practices, (3) advance new options for regional mobility, and (4) support four-season economies for gateway communities.  Go to http://www.yellowstonebusiness.org/. Contact Jan Brown, jbrown@yellowstonebusiness.org, 208-406-522-7809. YBP’s Turning on the Off-Season report is available here: http://www.yellowstonebusiness.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/turning-on-the-off-season.pdf?bff6a5.

Idaho State Historical Society’s Community Enhancement grants can fund interpretive signage, brochures, and history-related audio and video projects. Go to http://history.idaho.gov/community-enhancement-grants. Keith Peterson, keith.peterson@history.idaho.gov, 208-882-1540.

USDA Rural Development has loan and grant programs to finance a wide variety of business, infrastructure (including downtown revitalization), housing, and community projects. Go to http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/ID. Jeff Beeman, USDA Area Director (Jeff.Beeman@id.usda.gov, 208-762-4939 ext. 118) was a member of the Sandpoint Community Review visiting team.

The Northwest Community Development Institute is designed to train community development professionals and volunteers in the techniques of modern leadership and management of community development efforts. Since the program's inception, hundreds of community leaders from throughout the country have participated in the program. The Institute is offered in Boise on annual basis. The dates for 2014 are July 21-25. Go to https://secure.meetingsystems.com/nwcdi/. Contact Jerry Miller, Idaho Department of Commerce, 208-334-2650, jerry.miller@commerce.idaho.gov.

Grand View February 13-14, 2013

Idaho Heritage Trust. http://www.idahoheritage.org/. Katherine Kirk, Executive Director, 208-549-1778, IHT@idahoheritage.org.
The Idaho Main Street Program was beginning to take applications from Idaho cities at the time this report was written. Go to http://commerce.idaho.gov/community-programs/idaho-main-street-program/. Contact Jerry Miller, Idaho Department of Commerce, 208-334-2650, ext. 2143, jerry.miller@commerce.idaho.gov.
“Smart Towns: A Guide to Downtown Revitalization”, Idaho Department of Commerce, 208-334-2470, www.idoc.state.id.us.
National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Main Street Program, 202-588-6219, http://www.nationaltrust.org/community/resources.html and http://www.mainstreet.org/, mainstreet@nthp.org.

Western Office National Trust for Historic Preservation, www.PreservationNation.org, Sheri Freemuth, AICP, Program Officer, P.O. Box 9107, Boise, ID 83707, 208-891-4121, sheri_freemuth@nthp.org.
The City of Nampa created a revolving loan fund for restoring building facades in its historic downtown. http://ci.nampa.id.us/downloads/30/FA%C3%87ADE%20IMPROVEMENT%20PROGRAM.doc.
‘Operation Facelift’ is a successful multi-community façade renovation project initiated by the Southern Idaho Economic Development Organization. Go to www.southernidaho.org, 208-324-7408. Here is a news article on the project: http://tinyurl.com/3btu23h.
Organizing a Successful Downtown Revitalization Program Using the Main Street Approach is a book available through the Washington Department of Trade and Economic Development. Go to http://www.commerce.wa.gov/_cted/documents/ID_160_Publications.pdf.
Project for Public Spaces is a nonprofit planning, design, and educational organization dedicated to helping people create and sustain public spaces that build stronger communities. Go to http://www.pps.org.
Fill-in-the-Blank Business Recruitment Workbook. This workbook was designed for downtown and commercial district revitalization organizations that want to improve the mix of businesses in their districts by helping existing businesses thrive, and by recruiting new businesses to fill gaps in the market. Go to: http://www.DowntownDevelopment.com/fibbr.php, 1-800-232-4317.
RampUpIdaho is a new effort being developed by a group of folks representing transportation, business, housing, government, economic development and accessibility. The group is planning to compile a list of resources and outline a simple rationale for businesses, chambers of commerce, and other groups to begin thinking more strategically and collaboratively about access. Contact info@rampupidaho.org for more information.
Farmers’ Markets and AgriTourism, Idaho State Department of Agriculture, Lacey Menasco, lmenasco@agri.idaho.gov.
USDA’s Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) offers grants to help improve and expand domestic farmers’ markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture programs, agritourism activities, and other direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities. Go to http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/FMPP.
Glenns Ferry has accomplished many downtown design revitalization objectives by combining grant funding with volunteer labor and donated materials. Contact Jill Laib through the Glenns Ferry Chamber of Commerce, 208-366-7345.
The Department of Community and Regional Planning, Boise State University. Go to http://sspa.boisestate.edu/planning/. Dr. Jaap Vos, Director, 208-426-2616, planning@boisestate.edu.
Contact the University of Idaho Urban Research & Design Center about the possibility of receiving design and planning assistance from U of I graduate architecture students. Go to http://www.uidaho.edu/caa/hands-onexperience/keepforlater/idahourbanresearchdesigncenter. Sherry McKibben, Director, 208-364-4540, sherrym@uidaho.edu.

Driggs September 11-13, 2012

The Development Company. Go to http://www.thedevco.net/ or call 208-356-4524.
Idaho Heritage Trust. http://www.idahoheritage.org/. Katherine Kirk, Executive Director, 208-549-1778, IHT@idahoheritage.org.
USDA Rural Development, Community Facilities Program and Business Programs, Dale Lish, Area Director, 208-785-5840 ext. 119, dale.lish@id.usda.gov.
The Idaho Main Street Program was under development at the time this report was written. Go to http://commerce.idaho.gov/news/2012/06/main-street-program-launches-throughout-idaho.aspx for a news release about the program. Gloria Mabbutt, Idaho Department of Commerce, Gloria.Mabbutt@commerce.idaho.gov, 208.334.2470.
Main Street: When a Highway Runs Through It is an excellent book published in 1999 by the Oregon Department of Transportation to educate communities about pedestrian safety and community design associated with highways within city limits. http://www.contextsensitivesolutions.org/content/reading/main-street/resources/main-street-when-a-highway/.

“Smart Towns: A Guide to Downtown Revitalization”, Idaho Department of Commerce, 208-334-2470, www.idoc.state.id.us.
National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Main Street Program, 202-588-6219, http://www.nationaltrust.org/community/resources.html and http://www.mainstreet.org/, mainstreet@nthp.org.
Western Office National Trust for Historic Preservation, www.PreservationNation.org, Sheri Freemuth, AICP, Program Officer, P.O. Box 9107, Boise, ID 83707, 208-891-4121, sheri_freemuth@nthp.org.
The City of Nampa created a revolving loan fund for restoring building facades in its historic downtown. http://ci.nampa.id.us/downloads/30/FA%C3%87ADE%20IMPROVEMENT%20PROGRAM.doc.
‘Operation Facelift’ is a successful multi-community façade renovation project initiated by the Southern Idaho Economic Development Organization. Go to www.southernidaho.org, 208-324-7408. Here is a news article on the project: http://tinyurl.com/3btu23h.
Organizing a Successful Downtown Revitalization Program Using the Main Street Approach is a book available through the Washington Department of Trade and Economic Development. Go to http://www.commerce.wa.gov/_cted/documents/ID_160_Publications.pdf.
RampUpIdaho is a new effort being developed by a group of folks representing transportation, business, housing, government, economic development and accessibility. The group is planning to compile a list of resources and outline a simple rationale for businesses, chambers of commerce, and other groups to begin thinking more strategically and collaboratively about access. Contact info@rampupidaho.org for more information.
Fostering Sustainable Behavior: An Introduction to Community-based Social Marketing by Douglas McKenzie-Mohr and Williams Smith, 1999, New Society Publishers. www.cbsm.com is a related website with a large amount of information, best practices, and networking opportunities.
The Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE) is a non-profit organization providing assistance and support to communities working to increase their resiliency and self-sufficiency by strengthening their locally owned businesses. Go to http://bealocalist.org/. 360-746-0840, info@livingeconomies.org.
Showing the Way: An Introduction to Creating a Successful Community Wayfinding Plan is a highly illustrated book originally created for Montana communities. To download, go to http://tinyurl.com/7vkzxga.
Host a luncheon for business owners that features a showing of the “Maps, Apps, and Mobile Media Marketing” webinar available through University of Idaho Extension, then work together to help each other learn about and access the many resources provided in the presentation. Go to http://www.extension.org/pages/16076/etc-webinar-archive.
The Idaho Department of Commerce’s Travel Council grant program can help develop the valley’s marketing strategy and wayfinding system. Cathy Bourner, 208-334-2470, cathy.bourner@tourism.idaho.gov.
South Central Idaho Tourism and Recreation at the College of Southern Idaho can possibly offer customer service training. Debbie Dane, 208-732-5569, ddane@csi.edu.
USDA Rural Development, Business Programs, Dale Lish, Area Director, 208- 785-5840 ext. 119, dale.lish@id.usda.gov.