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Washington Evening Journal
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Washington, IA 52353
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Fairfield to receive comprehensive downtown assessment
The Downtown Resource Center will investigate city’s downtown Nov. 19-21 and give recommendations for improvement
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The Downtown Resource Center (DRC) will conduct a comprehensive downtown assessment for Fairfield on Nov. 19-21, offering insights and recommendations to guide the revitalization of the area. The initiative, funded collaboratively by the Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce, City of Fairfield, Grow Fairfield, and Visit Fairfield, demonstrates a shared commitment to the future of downtown Fairfield.
The assessment process will include a series of group interviews on November 19 and 20, where the DRC team will meet with diverse groups, gathering feedback and perspectives on the current state of the downtown area, as well as opportunities for improvement. These interviews are designed to capture the views of business owners, residents, city officials, and community stakeholders.
Interview schedule is:
Day One (November 19) Schedule:
10am - 11am: Driving Tour of Community
11am – Noon: Walking Tour of Downtown
12pm - 1:30pm: Lunch with Steering Committee
1:30pm - 2:30pm: Group Interviews with Realtors and City Depts
2:45pm - 3:45pm: Group Interviews with Manufacturing and Finance
3:45pm - 4:45pm: Group Interviews with Youth and Arts/Culture
4:45pm - 5:45pm: Group Interviews with School Representatives and Longtime Residents
7pm - 8pm: Group Interviews with Visitors (via Zoom) and anyone else unable to attend other meetings
Day Two (November 20) Schedule:
8:30am - 9:30am: Group Interviews with Business Owners and Agriculture
9:30am - 10:30am: Group Interviews with Building Owners and Healthcare
10:45am - 11:15am: Group Interviews with Historical/museums and Civic Orgs
11:15am - 11:45am: Group Interviews with new and downtown residents and small downtown merchants
Meeting locations will be announced prior to meetings based on the number of people who have signed up to attend. All those wanting to attend should contact the Chamber at 641-472-2111 or email Info@FairfieldIowa.com to participate.
On November 21 at noon, the DRC will present the assessment’s findings in a public presentation, open to all community members. This session will provide an overview of the current state of downtown Fairfield, identify strengths and areas for improvement, and present tailored strategies to help Fairfield achieve its downtown revitalization goals.
“Revitalizing downtown Fairfield is a priority for our community,” said Chamber Executive Director Mendy McAdams, “and we are excited to work with the Downtown Resource Center to set a path for ongoing improvement. We look forward to sharing the insights from this assessment and exploring opportunities that will strengthen our downtown for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.”
The assessment reflects the continued efforts of the Chamber, City, Grow Fairfield, and Visit Fairfield to foster a thriving, vibrant downtown.
About the Downtown Resource Center
The Downtown Resource Center, part of Iowa Economic Development Authority like Main Street Iowa, is dedicated to supporting downtown districts across the state through tailored assessments, resources, and best practices that contribute to strong local economies and enriched community spaces.
