- Identify partners. Who are the people and organizations that will help you move projects forward? Look for stakeholders who would also benefit from the beautification efforts and further developed areas in downtown such as local businesses or events.
- Work together. Once you’ve identified your partners, work with them to get a project moving! Can you provide façade grants or incentives to business owners or otherwise support them to get something off the ground?
- Get creative. Your residents may have some wild ideas, and they can make an event or a new space super cool! As Lisa Popovich of Steamboat Springs says, “Bad ideas are only good ideas that are not fully formed.”
- Celebrate the small steps. Development projects can take years. Keep the energy going by celebrating each phase. Maybe the space can be utilized differently before all the pieces are complete. Then, make a plan to get the next step done! This will keep stakeholders interested and invested in the final product.
- Generate excitement. It’s no secret that a lot of planning goes into development projects, and to outsiders, it can look like nothing is happening! Be transparent with business owners and residents about goals, and timelines, and let them know when steps are completed behind the scenes.