A Downtown Development Authority board member presented a proposal on Sept. 4 urging a rebrand of the DDA and a set of downtown activation projects including signage, landscaping, lighting, a selfie station and expanded event promotion.

The proposal argued that consistent branding and active place-making would increase downtown visibility and support businesses and events. “Our city social media is one of our most valuable tools for connecting with residents,” the board member said, urging a “strong social media policy” and streamlined pages for the city and the DDA.

The board member framed the package as a sequence of practical steps: update the DDA logo and digital presence, add wayfinding and building signage, beautify and program a city-owned back porch behind Hushed and Coffee, add string lighting and plantings, install a mobile selfie station, and strengthen the DDA events calendar.

Costs and permitting were presented as part of the discussion. The presenter gave three sign options with approximate price points: a pole banner (about $1,000 installed, $350 for replacement banners); a permanent metal hanging sign (about $2,000, including installation and permitting); and a freestanding structure (about $7,000, requiring more site work). The presenter said she would obtain the required sign permit and noted the city’s sign ordinance allows external lighting but limits illuminated signage.

For back-porch activation, the presenter described the space as city-owned and spoke of low-cost enhancements such as string lights, planters with irrigation, murals, seating and free Wi‑Fi to make the porch a multiuse spot for coffee, remote work and small events. She noted some improvements would need irrigation or contractor work and suggested grants, business donations and volunteer efforts as possible funding sources.

A mobile selfie station example was presented with an estimated cost of about $500 and the potential to link the artwork to an events page via a QR code. The presenter also said colorful crosswalks cannot be installed on state roads, but reported the mayor had already contacted the appropriate agency to repaint a crosswalk at West Broad and White Street.

On events, the presenter said the DDA will assume responsibility for the annual trunk-or-treat, while the city’s events coordinator will continue to run the spring and fall festivals. The presenter set Nov. 21 as the date for the “Jingle Mingle” holiday event and asked the board to begin planning and fundraising.

Board members asked practical questions about maintenance and permitting; the presenter acknowledged maintenance and estimated permit costs and described seeking donated materials and volunteer labor for planting and signage where feasible.

The presentation concluded with an open request for board members to identify which parts of the plan they would help implement.

Next steps discussed were informal: develop a budget for prioritized items, confirm permitting requirements, pursue grants and partnerships with local businesses, and include these projects in follow-up DDA meetings for possible budget or implementation assignments.