Strategic Plan
In the last five years, Ridgway has taken significant steps towards the revitalization of the central business district, including a highly successful historic façade program and the establishment of a National Register Historic District.
These accomplishments provide an excellent base on which to move forward, but there are many more elements that must be implemented to truly revitalize our downtown. The following outline is the framework of a proposed strategic plan that can be used to coordinate efforts among a number of partnering organizations such as the Borough, Chamber of Commerce, Ridgway Township, RIDC, and the Ridgway Heritage Council.
We propose to implement a strategic planning steering committee that will include a member from all organizations identified above. Its purpose will be to further develop the details of a strategic plan for Ridgway and coordinate efforts among the partnering organizations to achieve the overall vision.
Business Recruitment and Marketing
Ridgway's most pressing need is to create and implement a comprehensive marketing strategy.
Our objective is to promote downtown Ridgway as a primary location for businesses to locate, for the securing of goods and services, for residential occupancy, and for the enjoyment of recreational opportunities. Our objectives include:
The development of a "block-by-block" master plan for the downtown that identifies problems and opportunities, and sets goals for the types of businesses to recruit for available spaces.
Proactive recruitment of new businesses and retention of existing businesses
Marketing Ridgway as a tourism destination
Marketing Ridgway's high quality historic residential opportunities to families and retirees to help grow the population and tax base.
How We Accomplish These Goals
To accomplish the above objectives will require professional personnel dedicated to achieving these objectives, a variety of marketing materials such brochures, a high quality comprehensive website, and participation in advertising and promotion activities. This job is too extensive to be accomplished by volunteer efforts alone. It is vital that we obtain a minimum of one part-time professional that can work in cooperation with the Strategic Planning Committee.
We propose that the with the Chamber of Commerce having a full time Executive Director, along with a part-time staff resource it would allow the staff to focus on downtown development.
Development of the "Lily of the Valley" National Register Historic District
After years of effort to set up a National Historic Register district, we have finally developed the district as an outstanding community asset that will attract new residents and visitors. The Ridgway Heritage Council will continue to be the lead organization for the historic district. We have create a heritage interpretative plan that will include visible designation of historic homes and buildings, walking tour materials, a web site, and other opportunities for interpretation of our history.