Two area communities are putting their downtowns under the microscope.
The Cherokee Area Development Corporation is partnering with the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) to conduct downtown assessments in Marcus and Aurelia.
The assessments are part of IEDA’s Downtown Walk Around program, which gives communities an outside perspective on the strengths and challenges of their downtown districts.
In Marcus, a public meeting is scheduled for 6:30-7:30 p.m. next Tuesday, Sept. 29, at the Marcus Community Center at 319 Main St.
The Aurelia assessment will be followed by a public meeting from 1:30-2:30 p.m. next Wednesday, Sept. 30, at the Aurelia Community Center at 235 Main St.
During the visits, staff from the Iowa Downtown Resource Center and professional consultants will meet with community leaders and walk through the downtown districts.
They’ll conduct their own observations, visit businesses and identify both strengths and areas that may need attention.
The goal is to provide what IEDA describes as an honest first impression of each downtown and give community leaders information they can use as they consider future improvements and revitalization efforts.
Community members are encouraged to attend the public meetings and hear the findings.
Cherokee is also preparing for its own downtown assessment.
Cherokee Area Economic Development says IEDA representatives are scheduled to visit the Cherokee County seat Oct. 27-29.
A public survey is now available ahead of that visit, with organizers hoping to collect more than 100 responses from residents, employees, business owners and others in the community.
The survey is intended to provide community input before the Cherokee assessment begins.
