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Economic Development & Restructuring

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Economic Development and Restructuring


The goal of the Downtown Collinsville, Inc. Economic Restructuring Committee is to strengthen the economic stability of the downtown Collinsville area. By providing technical assistance and education to retain existing businesses, providing information and assistance to prospective businesses, and actively recruiting new businesses, the committee hopes to create a vibrant and exciting, revitalized downtown business district.


Downtown Business Analysis
  • Inventory all downtown area businesses.
  • Maintain database of business owners'/managers' information.
  • Create and maintain file folder on each.
  • Include photos of businesses.
  • Take special notice of businesses with historical significance.
  • Develop map to identify downtown anchors and business clusters and patterns.
  • Identify market strengths and weaknesses.
  • Analyze retail vs. service oriented businesses.

Downtown Real Estate Analysis
  • Inventory all downtown area buildings and properties.
  • Maintain database of property owners' information and information about the property, including tax value & assessment.
  • Create and maintain file folder on each.
  • Include photos of buildings and properties.
  • Take special notice of buildings with historical significance.
  • Develop map to identify properties and locations.
  • Develop a prioritized list of physical improvements needed.

Downtown Opportunities
  • Inventory vacant buildings and properties.
  • Maintain database of property owners' information and information about the property, including tax value & assessment.
  • Create and maintain file folder on each.
  • Include photos of vacant buildings and properties.
  • Take special notice of buildings with historical significance.
  • Develop map to identify properties and locations.
  • Create marketing pieces featuring available downtown properties.
  • Work with owners and real estate agents to market and promote properties.
  • Create "Opportunities" page on the Downtown Collinsville web site.
  • Develop relationship with new Community Development Director to actively market downtown opportunities.

Governmental Policy Issues
  • Work with officials in regard to city ordinances, procedures, code issues, etc.
  • Act as a liaison between the city and business and property owners in regard to city ordinances, procedures, codes issues, etc.
  • Educate business and property owners with information and resources regarding government policy and code issues.
  • Maintain accurate and updated records of city issues facing downtown businesses.
  • Keep updated records of city, state, and national codes.
  • Review of city sign ordinance to possibly be more appropriate for downtown business and property owners. Research and provide Main Street/National Trust information.
  • Create appropriate rehab/restoration guidelines for existing structures based on historic preservation.
  • Create design guidelines for new construction/infill sympathetic to the context of the site and based on the historical look and feel of the surrounding area.
  • Encourage and promote the "Economics of Historic Preservation."
  • Work with new Community Development Director to create and market incentive packages that would be attractive to prospective downtown businesses.
  • Create information folder/packet to present to interested parties about locating a business in downtown.

Downtown TIF Program
  • Promote and encourage downtown property owners to participate in the Downtown TIF Program.
  • Create new brochure highlighting TIF program participation with the new Community Development Director.
  • Promote the use of historical photographs for the rehab and restoration of buildings.
  • Educate business and property owners with information regarding the ins-and-outs and do's-and-don'ts of TIF.
  • Provide information and assist with the decisions on paint, colors, materials, awnings, windows, signage, graphics, lighting, etc.
  • Provide resources, from architects to contractors, during all aspects of the project.
  • Assist applicant with required paperwork and documentation.
  • Maintain accurate and updated records of all aspects of each project.
  • Present projects to the City Council for approval of funding.
   Future objectives:
  • Review downtown TIF boundaries.
  • Present to City Manager and/or Community Development Director a map with suggested areas for expanded TIF district.
  • Work with city officials to appropriately expand TIF boundaries.
  • Actively seek new projects for program.

Historic Preservation Advocacy Issues
  • Coordinate design and architectural assistance from Illinois Historic Preservation Agency for downtown property and business owners.
  • Provide Main Street/National Trust information and encourage adaptive reuse.
  • Take a proactive role in the preservation of downtown buildings, be they private or publicly owned.
  • Exhaust all efforts before succumbing to the ridiculousness of demolition.

Economic Restructuring Training and Education
  • Always take the opportunity to promote and encourage the "Economics of Historic Preservation."
  • Maintain an updated resource center of Main Street/National Trust information.
  • Provide Econominc Restructuring training seminars for volunteers, property owners, and others as needed.
  • Host business seminars to educate and assist downtown business owners and managers. Check with local speakers bureau or agency. Seek funding if necessary.



Downtown Collinsville, Inc.
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Downtown Collinsville, Inc. Main Street Program
216 East Main Street • Collinsville, Illinois 62234
618.345.5598 phone • 618.345.5699 fax
info@downtowncollinsville.com
 

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