ONGOING PROJECTS

There's a lot happening in Downtown St. Cloud - there are all kinds of new projects and developments happening right now. Click here to request a copy of the 2005-2006 Annual Report.

Economic Development Activity

Historic restoration marketing effort (HostAnnual historic tours)
Downtown branding campaign underway
Business Recruitment efforts

Promoting JobZ Program

Promoting downtown as a technology hub

Working with brokers to sell or lease available properties

Expanding incentive programs for business recruitment and retention

Current Public/Private Investments

Construction of new Public Library of west end of downtown
Construction of ING Direct (400 additional jobs; redevelopment project)
Construction of parking ramp (2007)
Construction of new Law Enforcement Center (2008)
Improvements to Hwy 23 (2009)
Several major and minor restoration projects

Marketing and Promotions

DTC Brings you... The Downtown GET CONNECTED Discount Card

This card brings employees, residents, visitors the opportunity to experience all that Downtown has to offer at a discounted price!

This $10 card provides special offers and discounts at Downtown restaurants, hotels, stores and attractions through Downtown. It can be picked up at DTC office, requesting via email or by calling (320) 257-8601.

Identify marketing/communications priorities that reflect the emerging competitive landscape and make recommendations to the Downtown marketing plan
Implement plans and strategies to market Downtown as “everything in one great place”
Work with the City on a strategy to improve the perception of Downtown during construction
Identify funding sources to improve long term advertising and promotions
New TV Commercial appearing on HGTV, ESPN2, E!, Comedy Central, and the Food Network June-August 2007 to promote downtown.
Tabloid "Live It! Love It! Downtown St. Cloud" in the St. Cloud Times published quarterly.
Work with City to expand employee and visitor parking options.

Membership

Achieve a net increase in new and retained membership
Develop three issue forums
Increase participation of businesses outside the traditional Downtown who have interest in the vitality of the Urban Core

DOWNTOWN STRATEGIC PLAN: The consulting firms Urban Marketing Collaborative (UMC) and The Cohn Marketing Group were retained by the City of St. Cloud, the Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA), and the Downtown Council to undertake a strategic plan for the Downtown area with an emphasis on commercial elements. The study is meant to build off the work completed by the Comprehensive Plan, which laid out the foundation and vision for the City and Downtown and highlighted specific goals and objectives. These goals and objectives are referenced later in this report. The work carried out in this report prepared by UMC and The Cohen Marketing Group will prioritize projects for the City and Downtown Council, and include a detailed action plan on how to accomplish each one. Click here to obtain a copy of the 2004 Downtown Strategic Plan (.pdf format).