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COJ Director of Planning, DCED, Attends Main Street America’s 2024 Community Transformation Workshop with Scholarship Support

Des Moines, IA – October 2024 – The City’s Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) is proud to announce that Nina Ndichu, the Director of Planning, DCED, recently attended the 2024 Main Street America (MSA) Community Transformation Workshop in Des Moines and Nevada, Iowa. The Director was honored to receive a travel scholarship to participate in this event, which offered invaluable insights and strategies for revitalizing commercial districts and advancing sustainable community development.

A Valuable Opportunity for Professional Growth

The Community Transformation Workshop, held from October 14-16, gathered community leaders, planners, and economic development professionals from across the country to explore the latest strategies in urban revitalization. With a focus on fostering economic growth and sustainable development, the event provided participants with the tools needed to transform local communities.

Workshop Highlights

The workshop, designed to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical tools, offered a dynamic experience for attendees. Participants explored the Main Street Approach to community revitalization, which emphasizes leveraging local market conditions, community engagement, and strategic planning to promote sustainable economic growth in commercial districts.

Throughout the event, attendees engaged in discussions on using both qualitative and quantitative data to inform revitalization efforts. They also took part in a hands-on Field Exercise in Groups, applying their learning to real-world community analysis and collaborative problem-solving.

Key Takeaways:

  • Trends in Economic Development: Understanding how real estate trends and consumer traffic impact local economies.
  • Implementation Strategies: How to develop and implement effective strategies for transforming commercial districts.
  • Data-Driven Decision Making: Using community data to shape revitalization efforts and measure success.
  • Understanding Market Conditions: Identifying the role of data in revitalizing commercial districts.
  • Community Engagement: The importance of involving local stakeholders in defining transformation strategies.
  • Practical Application: Real-world exercises to help participants apply new knowledge.

The workshop in Des Moines, Iowa, provided participants with an in-depth exploration of emerging trends shaping Main Street revitalization. Key discussions focused on the integration of real estate trends, evolving consumer behavior, and the importance of strategic implementation for achieving successful community transformation. sessions focused on integrating MSA’s BOOMS Tracker, a tool for monitoring key metrics in community revitalization, and utilizing community data to develop actionable, sustainable work plans.

Bringing New Knowledge Back to Johnstown

With the knowledge gained from the 2024 Community Transformation Workshop, DCED is eager to apply these strategies to the City’s ongoing development projects. The workshop emphasized the importance of integrating data, community input, and strategic planning to create a sustainable vision for revitalizing commercial areas.

Continued Commitment to Revitalization

The City of Johnstown remains committed to building a prosperous and sustainable future through strategic community development. Participation in the Main Street America 2024 Community Transformation Workshop reaffirms the City’s dedication to continuous learning and applying best practices to drive local economic growth and improve the quality of life for residents.

More information on Main Street America’s Community Transformation Workshop can be found here: https://mainstreet.org/resources/community-transformation-workshop