(Spirit Lake)– A report from the city’s Industrial Development Committee was a highlight of Tuesday’s Spirit Lake city council meeting.
The report was presented by the committee’s Chairman, businessman Ivan Brown, who presented a list of recommendations the one-year-old committee came up with to address economic development in the community.
Key to doing that, according to Brown, is to bring more young families to the community. To attract them, Brown said the committee is recommending the city develop commercial centers around major brand stores and that the downtown be devoted to “unique, interesting places that create foot traffic in and around the community.” Along that line, Brown said businesses in the downtown area need to upgrade and improve signage and building facades.
Brown said the committee is also recommending incentives be offered to developers to build housing intended for young families. Even though the city has already seen a signficant amount of new houses go up, Brown said it isn’t enough.
The committee is also recommending the city establish a top-notch day care facility; and that efforts to improve the quality of life continue.
In addition, Brown said the committee is recommending the city hire an Economic Development Director, who’s sole responsibility would be to oversee those efforts.
The council took no action Tuesday on any of the recommendations.
