Economic Development Strategies (including Downtown Action Plans and Neighborhood-Based Economic Development)

P.U.M.A.'s economic development strategies merge an understanding of the marketplace with organizational development to create realistic action plans and the tools to implement them.

Denver, Colorado

"Denver Living Streets Initiative" (2009);

P.U.M.A. recently completed the Market Opportunity Analysis and Economic Impacts segments of a multi-faceted Environmental Protection Agency/City of Denver process to combine context-sensitive development with complete streets to offer solutions that promote active living, increase mobility, capitalize on infrastructure investments and stimulate economic development on our most traveled urban corridors. Living Streets attract, concentrate and connect vibrant and sustainable development that accommodates growth while preserving what makes Colorado special.

The market opportunity analysis undertakes both primary and secondary research to determine the likely economic impacts from investing in enhanced infrastructure envisioned by Living Streets. A traditional streetcar corridor and a vehicular corridor were examined and analyzed to identify direct correlations and/or qualitative expectations of Living Streets investment on jobs, sales, property values and fiscal return. Included in the analysis are neighborhood demographic trends, business, neighborhood and property owner surveys, and development opportunities. The economic impact analysis includes case studies, and investigations of impacts of traffic speeds and congestion projections. The City of Denver is currently exploring how to integrate Living Streets policies in both planning and public works policy contexts.

Prepared for the City and County of Denver Department of Community Planning and Development;

Gideon Berger, Senior City Planner (720) 865-2932

San Diego, California

"Downtown San Diego Partnership Business Attraction Program" (2008);

P.U.M.A. was retained to develop a business plan for the Downtown San Diego Partnership to add a business attraction program center within the organization. The plan was based upon extensive interviews with commercial property owners, real estate brokers and civic leaders, and a review of best practices from other downtown management organizations. Three primary program activities were proposed, including creation of a business retention and recruitment "one-stop" service portal within the Downtown Partnership; development of a variety of print and on-line interactive marketing materials; and the establishment of a stronger role for the downtown business community in policy development and leadership. The Partnership is currently forming a new assessment overlay to finance the implementation of the program.

Prepared for the Downtown San Diego Partnership;

Todd Voorhees, Vice President of Public Policy and Communications (619) 234-0201

Denver, Colorado

"Denver's Neighborhood Marketplace Initiative" (2007 - 2008);

The City and County of Denver (CCD) currently has a wide variety of community and economic development tools that can be used to strengthen neighborhood business districts, or "neighborhood marketplaces." However, those tools were not organized in a strategic way, nor had they changed significantly over the last 25 years.  Denver's Neighborhood Marketplace Initiative updated both the City's tools and toolbox, and employed a market-based approach to strengthen business districts and their adjacent neighborhoods.  CCD's Office of Economic Development retained P.U.M.A. to evaluate the City's current approach to providing support to the neighborhood business districts and to create a new framework to strengthen and enhance neighborhood business districts throughout the City.  Five business districts were selected as pilots for the program, and implementation of each district plan is currently underway.

Prepared for the City and County of Denver Office of Economic Development;

Bo Martinez, Business Districts and Corridor Development (720) 913-1717

Westminster, Colorado

"South Westminster Business Districts Community Survey, Market Assessment and Action Plan" (2007 - 2008) ;

P.U.M.A. conducted a community survey that measured changes in attitudes and community needs since a 1998 survey, identifying shopping patterns and desirable goods and services for the South Westminster neighborhood.  A business focus group was held to facilitate a discussion of issues and opportunities related to the future success of the business community in the neighborhood.   A market assessment including an economic profile, commercial tenant inventory, competition and retail leakage analysis and site development status was prepared for five commercial sub-districts, two of which are in existence, another two districts beginning redevelopment and the fifth is a proposed TOD.  From the market assessment, sustainable niche, business and development opportunities were identified for each district.  An implementation action plan including a resource audit, and an implementation business plan focusing on incremental, visible improvements that could be achieved quickly and instill a sense of civic accomplishment and momentum were developed.

Prepared for the City of Westminster;

Tony Chacon, Coordinator (303) 430-2400

Castle Rock, Colorado

"Downtown Castle Rock Master Plan" (2007 - 2008);

P.U.M.A. was the lead consultant for the Town of Castle Rock to complete a Downtown Master Plan.  P.U.M.A.'s work included the preparation of an extensive market analysis, stakeholder interviews and a community attitudes survey.  In addition, P.U.M.A. prepared a competitive analysis, a niche strategy and character district development strategies for downtown Castle Rock.  Development, marketing and organizational opportunities were identified, including the recommendation to form a Downtown Development Authority.  In a November, 2008 special election voters approved the formation of the DDA as well as a 3-mill property tax levy to enhance the DDA's ability to effect economic development, incentives and other initiatives designed to enhance the vibrancy of Downtown.

Prepared for the Town of Castle Rock;

Fabby Hillyard, former Downtown Coordinator (303) 880-5767

Denver, Colorado

"Downtown Denver Area Plan" (2007);

In 1986, the City and County of Denver adopted a Downtown Area Plan prepared

jointly with the Downtown Denver Partnership. The plan provided the long-term

vision and understanding for land use, urban design, historic preservation, transportation and other policies related to the form and function of Downtown. While much of the vision as conveyed in the plan's "Constitution" remains valid, most of the conditions have changed dramatically. Further, most of the areas surrounding the Downtown core have had new plans and significant public and private investment. As a result of these changed circumstances, in 2007 the City and the Partnership agreed to jointly undertake a significant and comprehensive look at the Downtown area and its direction for the next 20 years.  P.U.M.A. served as the project's primary local sub-contractor, providing economic analysis, implementation expertise, and assistance in the community outreach process. P.U.M.A. prepared an assessment of existing economic conditions, a global trends analysis and provided creative input into the final Downtown Plan strategy and document. The Downtown Plan was adopted by the Denver City Council in 2007, and implementation is currently being jointly managed by the City of Denver and the Downtown Denver Partnership.

Prepared for the City and County of Denver and the Downtown Denver Partnership;

Ellen Ittelson,  Department of Community Planning and Development, City of Denver (720) 865-2923

John Desmond, Vice President of Urban Planning and Environment, Downtown Denver Partnership (303) 534-6161

Cheyenne, Wyoming
"Downtown Cheyenne Retail Assessment and Market-Based Downtown Plan" (June 2006);
Downtown Cheyenne is implementing a market-based plan prepared by P.U.M.A., the lead consultant, and several partners.  Recommendations from the market-based plan are based on an extensive market study that included an economic profile, retail leakage analysis and surveys of local residents and downtown employees.  The plan includes a niche strategy for downtown, sub-district development strategies, identification of opportunity sites, and recommendations that encompass economic development, physical improvements, parking, regulatory adjustments and a business plan for the Downtown Development Authority.

Prepared for the Cheyenne Downtown Development Authority;
Christian Cherek, Executive Director (307) 433-9731

Stillwater, Oklahoma
"Core Commercial Area Planning and Engineering Services" (January 2006);
P.U.M.A. was the lead consultant to assist the city of Stillwater in creating tangible, action-oriented improvements for downtown and two aging commercial districts near Oklahoma State University. Key components of the plan included a competitive market-based analysis of the downtown market which includes an economic profile, retail supply inventory and local competition analysis, development climate review, downtown niche strategy, economic development strategy and a marketing strategy.  The Plan provides a framework for improving downtown based upon six interconnected initiatives including public amenities and streetscape, a Main Street dining and entertainment district, a parking management plan, facade improvements and design guidelines, a downtown organization and business improvement district, and downtown living.

Prepared for the City of Stillwater;
Paula Dennison, Community Development Director (405) 742-8214

Denver, Colorado
"Downtown Denver Retail Demand Study" (October, 2005);
The Downtown Denver Retail Demand Study features a comprehensive analysis of downtown shopping patterns and preferences by a variety of in-place markets, including metropolitan Denver residents, downtown area residents and college students, employees and visitors.  In addition to providing insightful market information, the study provides strategic options and priorities for improving downtown retail and the environment that supports it.  Vancouver-based Urbanics and P.U.M.A. guided the study effort in collaboration with a project steering committee.

Prepared for the Downtown Denver Partnership, Inc.;
Tamara Door, President and CEO (303) 534-6161
Jim Kirchheimer, Director of Economic Development (303) 571-8209

Pierce City, Missouri
"Pierce City Economic Development Strategic Plan" (March, 2005);
A long-term economic development strategy for a downtown that was substantially destroyed by a major tornado in 2003.  The P.U.M.A. team conducted community roundtable meetings and a resident survey, and prepared an economic profile and a retail leakage analysis.  Recommendations included more emphasis on new housing development and a variety of small businesses and civic enterprises.  Design guidelines for a new, more compact town center, and opportunities for regional cooperation were also identified, including the creation of a self-sustaining non-profit economic development corporation.

Prepared for the City of Pierce City, Missouri;
Debi Richardson, Community Development Coordinator, Southwest Missouri Council of Governments (417) 836-6900

Boulder, Colorado
"Downtown Boulder Strategic Plan" (February 2005);

"Downtown Business Recruitment and Retention Strategy" (2003)
In response to a new lifestyle shopping center being developed within one mile of downtown Boulder, P.U.M.A. facilitated a strategic planning process that assessed economic and political forces and engaged downtown stakeholders and organizations in the development of a Strategic Plan.  A market snapshot was developed to help justify niche and positioning strategies and to validate initial project Task Force observations and recommendations.  From these first two steps, a working paper was prepared that  included areas of program emphasis for the short- and mid-term including small business support, parking management, marketing strategies, product development options and areas of collaboration with the new lifestyle center.  The Plan also offered suggested organizational roles and responsibilities to implement recommendations. P.U.M.A. also worked with downtown property and business owners to form the Downtown Boulder BID.

Prepared for the City of Boulder and Downtown Boulder BID;
Molly Winter, Director, Downtown and University Hill Management Division/Parking Services 
(303) 413-7317

Sean Maher, Executive Director, Downtown Boulder BID (303) 449-3774

Rochester, Minnesota
"Market-Based Downtown Plan" (2004);

"Downtown Rochester Master Plan" (in progress)
The market-based plan encompassed 40 blocks of the city's central business district, adjacent to the world-renowned Mayo Clinic. The market-based planning approach included a competitive analysis based upon an a variety of market analyses, interviews and community surveys; niche and development strategies which provided an overall niche strategy for downtown and guidelines for development in several downtown sub-districts; and implementation strategies which offered prioritized and sequenced tactics for economic development, environmental improvements, parking management, marketing tactics, policies and incentives, financing and organization.  P.U.M.A. managed all facets of the plan, which was adopted and endorsed by Rochester City Council, along with authorization of create a local tax abatement district to generate revenues to implement plan recommendations.  A special services district was also subsequently formed by downtown property and business owners to finance ongoing marketing and economic development initiatives.

P.U.M.A. is currently working on a Downtown Master Plan  which further encourages common interests and synergy between the City of Rochester, the Mayo Clinic and the University of Minnesota Rochester to promote the orderly development of a vibrant downtown.  The master planning process will create a coordinated, comprehensive master plan for downtown Rochester to carry out the goals and vision of  growth of the downtown area over the next 20 years or more.

Prepared for the City of Rochester;
Douglas Knott, Downtown Development Administrator (507) 285-8233

Denver, Colorado
"Cherry Creek North Business Improvement District Strategic Plan" (September 2004);
Responding to changing market and political dynamics, the BID contracted with P.U.M.A. to complete a strategic plan to provide an operating road map for both the district and the BID for the next three to five years.  The planning process included stakeholder outreach, a direct mail survey, a market snapshot, and a survey of comparable national BIDs with upscale retail districts.  The strategic plan  includes recommendations and short- and long-term sequencing using benchmarks.

Prepared for the Cherry Creek North Business Improvement District;
Julie Bender, President (303) 394-2904

Nederland, Colorado
"Nederland Area Market Analysis and Action Plan" (September 2004);
P.U.M.A. completed a market-based plan for the town of Nederland, including a market analysis with an economic profile, a competition and retail leakage analysis, and a community engagement process composed of focus groups, one-on-one meetings and a community attitudes survey. Regional visitor attractions and the investment climate were evaluated to provide an action plan with recommendations for niche and implementation strategies. Recommendations included improving the shopping and dining experience for the locals, strengthening marketing channels for potential visitors and creating a Downtown Development Authority to finance a facelift for downtown Nederland. The DDA was formed with the support of 75% of affected stakeholders in an election held in November 2005. In 2009 the town of Nederland and the DDA were awarded economic stimulus money to complete a downtown sidewalk installation project.

Prepared for the Nederland Area Chamber of Commerce;
Teresa Warren, Chair, Downtown Development Authority (303) 258-7976

Portland, Oregon

"Portland Small Business Prosperity Strategy" (September 2004);

P.U.M.A. led a consulting team that evaluated the Portland market and developed an action plan for stimulating small business development throughout the region.  Recommendations include repositioning the regional chamber of commerce to better service small businesses, regulatory reforms at the city and the creation of a stronger neighborhood business support program.

Prepared for the Portland Business Alliance;

Bernie Bottomley, Vice President of Government Affairs and Economic Development (503) 224-8684

Denver, Colorado

"East 28th Avenue Commercial Development Feasibility Analysis and Activation Strategy" (November 2003);

Plan to activate two commercial sites along the East 28th Avenue commercial corridor with a market feasibility analysis and activation strategy. The corridor neighborhood is in transition, with older African American households being replaced by younger Hispanic households. The market analysis includes a demographic profile, retail competition and "inspirational business districts" analysis, community attitudes and stakeholder perspectives and primary research to determine site "readiness". The development activation strategy explores public/private financial resources and provides recommendations for best leveraging existing organizations.

Prepared for the City of Denver Enterprise Community;

Emily Bustos, Housing and Neighborhood Development Services (720) 913-1549

Salina, Kansas
"Downtown Market-Based Plan" (April 2002);
Downtown plan including: 1) Competitive analysis with economic profile, retail leakage and competition study, community attitude survey and stakeholder outreach; 2) Niche strategies and development options for downtown as a whole and for each of five geographic sub-districts; 3) Recommendations and sequencing for plan implementation; and, 4) Evaluation of downtown's existing business improvement district.  P.U.M.A was subsequently hired to assist in re-engineering the downtown Salina BID assessment methodology.

Prepared for the City of Salina;
Jason Gage, City Manager (785) 309-5700

Read Further News from Salina

Denver, Colorado
"Business Plan for Town Hall at Historic Eisenhower Chapel" (2002);
P.U.M.A. undertook a market feasibility and development option analysis to determine a preferred use for the historic Eisenhower Chapel located in the former Lowry Air Force Base.  Steps included an extensive community outreach process, identification of development alternatives and a business plan, including financial, marketing and management components.  P.U.M.A. subsequently developed a successful grant application to the State Historic Fund to finance improvements.

Prepared for the Lowry Foundation;
Julie Church-Thomas, Program Manager (303) 340-3833

Denver, Colorado
"Morrison Road Commercial Development Feasibility Analysis & Activation Strategy" (August 2001);
P.U.M.A. completed a plan to activate three commercial sites along the Morrison Road commercial corridor with a market feasibility analysis and development strategy. The market analysis includes a demographic profile, competition and leakage analysis, bilingual community focus groups and primary research to determine site "readiness". The development activation strategy explores public/private financial resources and provides recommendations for local businesses and investors to respond to opportunities within a dynamic and predominately Hispanic market. The plan was subsequently used by the City of Denver to market and attract developers for city-owned parcels.

Prepared for the City of Denver Community Development Agency;
Jodi Adkins, Program Manager (720) 913-1526

Edgewater, Colorado
"City of Edgewater Economic Development Plan" (December 2001);
"Plan Implementation" (2002 to 2004);
Comprehensive economic development plan for the City of Edgewater, a 100-year old community bordering Denver. Part I of the plan provides a market analysis based upon an economic profile, retail leakage study and community outreach process. Part II includes recommendations tailored to advance economic development in each of the City's four primary commercial areas, including a regional shopping center, traditional main street, state highway corridor and an abandoned neighborhood grocery store.  P.U.M.A. was retained to help implement the plan.

Prepared for the City of Edgewater;
Bonnie McNulty, Mayor (303) 238-7803

Boulder, Colorado
"Market-Based Plan for the University Hill Business District" (April 2001);
A market-based plan for the historic University Hill business district, including an economic profile, community attitudes survey, and analysis of competitive business districts resulting in a niche marketing strategy to reconnect with its traditional market base of residents, students and University workers. Suggested implementation tactics include marketing, environmental improvements, regulatory climate, business development and public/private partnerships.

Prepared for the City of Boulder Downtown Management Commission;
Molly Winter, City of Boulder (303) 413-7317

Lincoln, Nebraska
"Investment Strategy for a Competitive Downtown" (1998);
"Renewal of the Downtown BIDs" (2006 &1999);
"Downtown Strategic Plan Update" (April 2003);

"Downtown Retail Recruitment and Retention Strategy" (2007)
P.U.M.A. has worked with the Downtown Lincoln Association on a variety of market-driven strategic planning assignments over the past ten years. An organizational blueprint was developed for the organization as part of the Downtown Investment Strategy.  This blueprint, which has been largely implemented, included the creation of a new community development corporation, events production company and holding company structure to provide an overall unified management structure. P.U.M.A. was subsequently retained to assist DLA to renew its business improvement districts. Most recently, P.U.M.A. created a downtown retail support program based upon an unprecedented partnership among the Downtown Lincoln Association, the City of Lincoln and the University of Nebraska.

Prepared for the Downtown Lincoln Association;
Terry Uland, President (402) 434-6904

Anchorage, Alaska
"Downtown Development Framework" (June 2000);
P.U.M.A. led a multi-disciplinary team that completed a market-based downtown plan during an intensive five-day process. The Downtown Development Framework document resulted from a Downtown Summit, two-day intensive work session and a public presentation of plan concepts. The Framework identifies development zones, connections and opportunity sites, and recommends financial and organizational tools to guide implementation.

Prepared for the Anchorage Downtown Partnership;
Becky Beck, Executive Director (907) 279-5650

^ BACK TO TOP

< BACK TO PROJECTS