The meeting was all about grants, possibly hiring grant writers (It is so much work...and detailed work. I did it a couple of times and it went into someone's computer "trash bin" I'm sure. ðŸ˜), possible recycling (Green City), rezoning, and housing around Ludington (Good ideas for business, tourism, and senior/young housing that helps the downtown be busier and of greater commercial/tax benefit.). Closed session (hmmmm🤔). You can some additional information on the September 16th, 2021 Meeting Agenda and City Government Meeting Page.
What I can say is that Escanaba City Hall appears to be working together to enhance their community and the benefit to local residents that rely on their decisions. Government often does best when normal administrative problems are solved closest to the community of stakeholders; there are exceptions for national issues. In this case, it appears that motivated city admin and elected officials are working toward gaining resources and funds to fulfill some of their projects that they believe will improve the city (What any city should be doing.)
I also like they are rethinking housing near the downtown area in a way that expands some local strengths. Those cities that have done well attracting younger talent and investment dollars have beautiful downtowns and lots of recreational/community opportunities. Long term viability is based in part on how we manage our downtowns to create a unique branding experience for Escanaba and Delta County as a whole. When downtowns have life in them and businesses are full (and aesthetically pleasing/store fronts. Redeveloping Downtown) they are better able to maintain the value and attract more interest and resources (Delta County Start-Ups).
The Brookings Institute published some ideas about revitalizing downtown. Some of the concepts apply but not all because they did so from a more urban perspective. What should be remembered is that Escanaba is not Urban but has experienced some decline in population and overreliance on a few anchor businesses. Its downtown could be an attractive tourism and small business mecca (lower m) while the area could attract more small batch manufacturing, distribution, and design companies (Maybe? 🤷) Where its semi isolated nature on the Great Lakes was a detriment in recent times (meaning it was once a resource extraction area for the beginning of the Industrial Age and then sort of went into economic hibernation) it can now work toward being a "hot spot" rural Digital Era town (Its just in theory but if it works....it can be copied in other places. Putting bright people together with local resources and skilled labor can do amazing things.). See Turning Around Downtown: Twelve Steps to Revitalization
As a side note, I never noticed the closed captioning and that is awesome. Maybe its just a button on my YouTube but great.
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