LEAP (Local Economic Action Plan)

LEAP Project Status
On March 24, 2015 LEAP Action Teams will present their initiatives to the City Council for review and endorsement:
At its October 14, 2014, meeting, the City Council approved support for the development of a Local Economic Action Plan (LEAP) program. Don Maruska is serving as facilitator for this project, which requires the voluntary leadership and participation from business and community members for its success. This project has 5 phases over a 1-year period:
  • Create Strategic Framework (complete)
  • Facilitate Action Planning (underway through February 2015)
  • Review and Endorse Plan (with City Council, targeted for March 2015)
  • Support Implementation (April-September 2015)
  • Review Results and Update (September 2015)
Workshops
Workshop #2
  • January 21, 2015
  • 6 - 8:30 p.m.
  • Veterans Hall
Workshop to share plans and solicit additional input. Business and community leaders of initiatives share initial plans at a business and community workshop where attendees can learn about the preliminary ideas, offer comments and suggestions, and provide ideas for further initiatives.

Action Team informal planning sessions (now through Mid-January)
Interested business and community members are meeting informally to develop action initiatives where ideas appear promising and there are people committed to pursue them. Current concepts suggested by attendees at Workshop #1 on November 19, 2014 include:
  • Expedite processing for targeted businesses
  • Assess fiber optic connectivity opportunities
  • Revitalize and link business districts to boost activity
  • Reinvent events to better serve residents, businesses, and visitors
  • Promote environmental assets of the area for residents and visitors to enjoy and to expand business and tourism results
  • Create inventory of commercial properties and their features to expand and attract targeted businesses
  • Install a pilot parklet in business district to offer community spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy and to stimulate business activity
  • Reassess business incubator and enhance local business building efforts
  • Outreach to attract businesses
Preliminary details about these initiatives and next steps appear in the notes from November 19, 2014, workshop.

Note: If a business or community member wishes to participate in the informal planning sessions, please identify your topic of interest and send an email to Don with your contact information.

Documents & Resources
Workshop #1
  • 8:30 - 10 a.m.
  • November 19, 2014
  • Fire Station
An initial workshop engaged participants to identify hopes, issues, and options to boost the local economy. The workshop was advertised to the public through presentations and announcements at televised meetings of the City Council and Tourism Business Improvement District as well notices through the Merchants Association and Chamber of Commerce.

Workshop Notes and Rough Draft of Initiatives (PDF)

Planned Activities
  • January 21, 2015: Workshop #2 to be held at the Veteran's Hall from 6:00 - 8:30 PM