INFORMATIONAL MEETING
TOWN OF FAIR HAVEN
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2017
5:30 – 7:00 PM
FAIR HAVEN TOWN HALL

THE FAIRHAVEN SELECTBOARD IS SPONSORING AN INFORMATIONAL MEETING TO DISCUSS ECONOMIC TOOLS REGARDING DEVELOPMENT

DOWNTOWNS – GARY HOLLOWAY, DOWNTOWN PROGRAM COORDINATOR
This community revitalization program helps to preserve the historic character and enhance the future of medium to large-sized historic centers. Since 1999 Downtown Designation has provided communities with financial incentives, training and technical assistance supporting local efforts to restore historic buildings, improve housing, design walkable communities and encourage economic development by incentivizing public and private investments.

Municipalities that receive designation collaborate with local non-profit downtown organizations supporting efforts through funding, staff, partnerships and volunteers. The downtown program utilizes the Main Street Approach which is a proven strategy that encourages communities to take steps to enact long term change, while also implementing short term, inexpensive activities that attract people to the downtown and create a sense of enthusiasm and momentum about their community. Once designated, staff provides training and resources to assist the municipality and the downtown organization to help familiarize managers, board members and local officials with the downtown program and how to best develop an action plan for downtown community revitalization.

TAX INCREMENT FINANCING DISTRICTS – FRED KENNEY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR VERMONT ECONOMIC PROGRESS COUNCIL

Tax Increment Financing is a tool to finance public infrastructure improvements required to ensure the development of an area defined by the municipality. TIFs are considered a “public-private partnership” because they rely on public action to stimulate private investment.