Main Street Success Project

2013 County Plans Identified Priorities Business Development Business Retention and Expansion Downtown Development Source:

Jobs Follow People Communities need to maintain a high quality of life Diverse economies Thriving downtowns Community location Regional aesthetics Overall community quality is a top priority for businesses and people People want to live in friendly and welcoming communities Source: “Place Value: How Communities Attract, Grow and Keep Jobs and Talent in the Rocky Mountain West”

Main Street Success Project Oil Industry Slow Down Allows us breathing room to step back and evaluate What are the opportunities and challenges? How is quality of life in our rural communities? How are our downtowns meeting our needs and wants? How do we keep people connected to these communities?

Main Street Success Project Anticipated outcomes Information from community members on quality of life Identification of common challenges and opportunities in western North Dakota Understanding of where community’s need to focus their efforts Identification of resources to meet these needs

Main Street Success Project Process Community Visits Surveys Data Collection and Analysis Survey data Baseline data for each community Follow-Up Reports

Main Street Success Project Focus Group Discussion Details One (1) Meeting Per Community 2.5 Hour Discussions 8-10 Community Members Representative sampling of community Completion Date – December 31

Main Street Success Project Personal Interviews Case study information One to three (1-3) community leaders knowledgeable about the strategies employed to overcome recent challenges 1 Hour Completion Date – December 31

Main Street Success Project Survey Strategy Goal is Response from 10% of Community Members Respondents must have an address from that community High School Club/Organization Will Administer Survey Training will be conducted on-site or over IVN Network Club/Organization will determine a strategy for distributing surveys Alternative Strategies to Increase Response Completion Date – January 31

Main Street Success Projcet Progress Kick-Off Meeting held November 18 Beach and Hettinger Focus Groups Schedule Crosby – December 21 Ray and Stanley – December 22 Beulah – December 28 Bowman – December 29 Killdeer – December 30

Main Street Success Project Follow-Up Report Synthesis of Survey and Focus Group Results Realign Priorities Determine Appropriate Strategies and Methods Alignment with Strategic/Comprehensive Plans Completion Date – March 15

Thank You!