Stephanie M. Lee

The 2023 Strategic Work Plan for the Sylvania Downtown Development Authority focuses on four key priorities: enhancing the dining, retail, and commercial landscape; improving the design and appearance of the downtown area; implementing a comprehensive marketing plan; and engaging downtown merchants. Specific goals include attracting new businesses, retaining existing ones, updating business incentive packages, improving infrastructure (parking, pedestrian corridors, signage, EV charging stations), enhancing the downtown's aesthetic appeal, and developing a robust communication strategy to promote the downtown area and the DDA's resources. The plan aims to create a welcoming and prosperous downtown that blends economic and community development while preserving its small-town charm.

The 2023 Sylvania Downtown Business Strategic Plan aims to revitalize the downtown area by attracting new businesses, retaining existing ones, and enhancing the overall design and appearance. The plan focuses on improving infrastructure (electric, natural gas, water, sewer, storm drains, and broadband), addressing parking issues, enhancing streetscapes and sidewalks, and implementing a pedestrian corridor. Economic development strategies include updating the business incentive package, applying for Rural Zone designation, engaging real estate agents, and updating the façade grant program. Community engagement is a key component, utilizing surveys, public meetings, and a Public Participation Geographic Information Systems (PPGIS) project to gather input and inform decision-making. The plan sets goals for increasing downtown employment by 10% and decreasing blight by 20% in 2024 and an additional 15% in 2025.