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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
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• 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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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Noyes / Foster
2013 Objectives and Projects
• Capital investment in Noyes Cultural Arts Center.
• Development of business district organization.
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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