Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Economic Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
DDA discusses Recast Cities leaders program and strategies to support local artisans
Summary
The DDA director described participation in a Recast Cities leaders program (sponsored by MML) to help small manufacturers and artisans; commissioners discussed assets, barriers and ideas such as incubator space in vacant buildings, expanded events and website promotion.
During the DDA director's report, the DDA discussed a Recast Cities leaders program (sponsored by MML) aimed at supporting small-scale manufacturers and local artisans.
The DDA director (speaker 6) said the program focuses on helping small manufacturing businesses — described as cottage-scale operations ranging from food and baking to metalworking and specialized crafts — by identifying the city's assets and barriers. The director asked commissioners what local assets (farmers' market, community center, waterfront, events) and challenges (limited foot traffic, competition from online retailers, volunteer capacity) exist and solicited ideas for goals and measurable outcomes.
Commissioners suggested options including using the community center as shared workspace, creating pop-up or street-festival experiences timed with existing events, pursuing façade grants for existing vacant downtown buildings, and exploring incubator space to attract small manufacturers to vacant properties. One commissioner referenced similar programs in nearby communities and the idea of "measured growth" rather than large-box commercial development.
The DDA director also noted local business activity: Beverly's Brunch House was scheduled to open at 7 a.m. the following morning, a ribbon cutting for GF Tech Solutions was scheduled, and Street Barbecue Smokehouse was opening soon.
