Rural > Economic Development > Programs, Tools and Resources > DR

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Downtown Revitalization

Do you wish to revitalize your downtown?

When it comes to revitalizing a downtown, people often think of structural and tangible improvements. However, there is often more to the picture than how the downtown appears. OMAFRA supports a comprehensive, integrated "four point approach" to the Downtown Revitalization (DR) program covering:

1. Economic development
2. Leadership and management
3. Marketing and promotion
4. Physical improvement

Each downtown has its own unique architecture, cultural traditions, heritage, human talents and other assets to build on.

As part of the Downtown Revitalization, there are a series of Downtown Market Analysis tools that ensures your strategy will be responsive and market-based. These tools will help you learn:

• what commercial space your downtown offers to capitalize on opportunities;
• what business owners issues and ideas are;
• what residents think of the downtown; the function of the downtown;
• where your community draws shoppers from and what those shoppers' buying habits are.

There are many beneficiaries of a revitalized downtown including: merchants, property owners, residents, community organizations and local government.

To support the program, we offer in-depth training sessions. Our Events and Trainings page will have the most up to date scheduled sessions. You can also contact your Regional Advisory Services if you are interested in training in your area.