Economic Development Work Plan has evolved as a result of feedback from local business community,

residents, ED committee, and City Council

2012

The five targeted industries were:1. Technology-Based Businesses2. Health Care and Wellness

Industries3. Baby Boomer Markets4. Arts and Entertainment Venues5. Water Industries

2013

The five focus areas are:1. Entrepreneurship Development &

Growth Oriented Startups 2. Arts & Entertainment3. Retail Attraction and Retention4. Workforce Development

Partnerships5. Quality of Place

• Quality of Place – recognize the qualities within Evanston that make it a distinctive, attractive and compelling place to live, to visit and to start a business that differentiate it from other Chicago suburbs and Chicago itself. (i.e. Lakefront, Transit, Arts, Architecture , Neighborhoods, Restaurants, Authentic Downtown, etc. )

• Entrepreneurship Development and Growth Oriented Startups – work with private sector partners to identify programming to increase successful entrepreneurship in Evanston and pursue retention and attraction of growth potential startups.

• Arts & Entertainment – support existing and identify new to improve Evanston’s stature as a cultural and entertainment destination for residents and tourists driving job creation, amusement and liquor tax revenues , and appealing to existing and prospect employers.

• Retail – expand the retail sales tax base and diversify commercial activities throughout Evanston in an era of increased online sales activity and shrinking store footprints

• Workforce Development Partnerships – partner with existing network of workforce development non-profits to identify opportunities to support programs aimed at comprehensive training in an array of fields including entrepreneurship and self-employment education for youth and career changers

Focus Area Summary

Central Street

2013 Objectives and Projects• Streetscape improvements on Central Street sidewalks.

• Support leasing of new retail and restaurant space east of Metra tracks at Central Station Apartment development.

Chicago Avenue/Dempster Street 2013 Objectives and Projects• Development & Support of food-related/culinary businesses

in the area.

• Support Leasing of vacant retail spaces west of the CTA and Metra Tracks.

• Coordination of Visitors and shoppers to the area.

Chicago Avenue/Main Street2013 Objectives and Projects• Designation of Tax Increment

Financing (TIF) District for this area and Adoption of Implementation Plan.

• Coordination of Neighborhood and Business Advisory Panel for Main/Chicago TIF District.

• Implementation of Infrastructure Projects in the Main/Chicago TIF District.

• Development of an energy-efficient/green building plan for older buildings.

Howard Street

2013 Objectives and Projects• Redevelopment of City-Owned Properties on Howard Street.

• Support for the Howard Street Business Association.

• Convene 2013 Food Truck Festival.

Southwest

2013 Objectives and Projects• Attract complementary tenants

to develop on large tracts of undeveloped land in these districts

• Develop a plan for utilization of the former Evanston Recycling Center.

• Coordinate workforce development opportunities to benefit targeted population.

West Side

2013 Objectives and Projects• Facilitate creation of a West Side Merchant

Group (incorporating businesses based at Church & Dodge, Dr. Hill, Green Bay & Emerson, and Emerson/Dodge/Dewey.)

• Pursue redevelopment of key properties along Church Street between Dewey and Brown.

• Coordinate workforce development opportunities to benefit targeted population.

• Support expansion of growth businesses in Dr. Hill district

• Proactively seek out storefront improvement opportunities.

West End

2013 Objectives and Projects• Support innovation and

modernization of industrial uses within district.

• Directional Signage for West End District

• Pursue options to leverage TIF and/or economic development fund to support workforce development opportunities

West Village

2013 Objectives and Projects• Pursue retail tenants for

Evanston Plaza in partnership with Bonnie Investment.

• Support revitalization of Florence Avenue and Greenleaf business district.

• Create plan for the Northwest corner of Dempster Street and Dodge Avenue

Noyes / Foster

2013 Objectives and Projects

• Capital investment in Noyes Cultural Arts Center.

• Development of business district organization.

Downtown

2013 Objectives and Projects• Coordinate with Downtown Evanston on retention efforts• Leasing of major vacancies 1,500 square feet or greater• Redevelopment of major land vacancies • Implementation of NEA Grant and EvanstArts Report• Attraction and retention of growth oriented companies for

existing and new office space