Strategic Plan :: essays research papers

Partnerships Because public and private interests in downtown are so inextricably entwined, it is essential that all interested parties work cooperatively to identify and achieve shared objectives. Both public and private investments shape the character of the downtown environment – in terms of how it looks and how it functions. Only if these investments are coordinated can maximum benefits be obtained. When the Center City Commission initiated a strategic plan in 1999, it was responding to the recognized need for a collaborative planning process that both articulated long-range directions for Downtown Memphis and identified short-range action steps to help reach those goals. Two years later, the results of that effort are impressive. In addition to millions of dollars in private and public investment for capital projects, Downtown Memphis has managed to retain†¦ Also significant is the steady improvement in public perceptions of Downtown as measured in the survey conducted by the Center City Commission. While the progress has been considerable, challenges remain, and new trends and influences pose both opportunities and threats to continued prosperity for Downtown Memphis. In light of this, the 2002 Strategic Plan Update planning process was initiated for the purpose of re-examining the issues and priorities established in 1999 Strategic Plan and developing an action plan for the next five to seven years. The process of preparing the Revised Strategic Plan and fulfilling the aforementioned goals was heavily staff driven; but a number of groups were involved in the refinement of the work product and the adoption of the recommendations. Public Meetings throughout the City were held to give downtown stakeholders (property owners, business owners, developers, residents) the opportunity to share their visions and to review the proposed goals of the Center City Commission. In addition to the input from the public meetings, many interested citizens wrote letters to the Center City Commission and completed a survey that was placed on our website, www.downtownmemphis.com. Survey results---- The long-term goals for the development of the Central Business Improvement District reflect the public’s value of some very basic items, such as safety, transportation, usability, and appearance. The goals also reinforce the public’s appreciation of several major anchors within Downtown – the Riverfront, the Main Street Mall, center city neighborhoods, and cultural attractions—that make Memphis unique. A Thriving Central Business District Background on Economic Conditions†¦.(information off of our Fact Sheets) Housing Office Retail Quality of Life Tourism Sustaining Main Street Mall The single most important element in any downtown is its â€Å"Main Street,† the street where retail activity should be concentrated.