“The main take away I have from the 2022 National Main Street Conference, was that no matter the size or location of the organization, local programs are facing the exact same issues we are here in Laramie. Volunteer burnout, disorganized boards and overworked EDs were a common thread in the round table discussions I took part in. It really made me take a step back, breathe and refocus on the ways I can effect change in our district.”
The main take away I have from the 2022 National Main Street Conference, was that no matter the size or location of the organization, local programs are facing the exact same issues we are here in Laramie. Volunteer burnout, disorganized boards and overworked EDs were a common thread in the round table discussions I took part in. It really made me take a step back, breathe and refocus on the ways I can effect change in our district. This strengthened my commitment to our downtown and gave me a clearer picture on what success as a board member would look like for me. I have many ideas on how we can help propel the board forward as we deepen our “institutional” knowledge and strengthen the relationships throughout the organization and community as a whole.
I was pleased to see the topic of housing as a featured topic at the conference as well. As the Laramie community faces housing challenges, the timing has never been better to encourage re-investment into the districts grossly underutilized 2nd floor spaces. The pre-development work needed on some of these buildings can be daunting in and of itself, which is where our organization can really step up. With the experience the board and ED have gained through the development of the 3rd floor of the Empress building, I believe the organization is well positioned to aid property owners who lack the time and expertise to even know where to begin such an undertaking.
Additionally, we have the good fortune of having a Downtown Development Authority (DDA) that, through collaborative efforts, could aid in establishing minimum property condition standards and perhaps even work toward passage and implementation of ordinances that combat blight and dilapidation within the district. Traditionally, the capabilities of the DDA have only been marginally leveraged, there is much more this group could do to promote the vitality of the physical assets in our district. As an appointed member of that group, I intend to focus on education of appointees (including myself) on the breadth of what the DDA embodies, develop and deploy a work plan and what revenue generating activities would best fit the district.
“To work with such an amazing and passionate group of community members has been truly remarkable. ”
I sincerely appreciate the opportunity I was given to attend the conference, which has already begun to bear the fruit of innovation. To work with such an amazing and passionate group of community members has been truly remarkable.
