The economic landscape of traditional downtown and neighborhood commercial districts continues to change. Expanding retail competition, evolving technologies, and changing lifestyle trends continue to affect business opportunities and the way of life in our traditional downtown business districts.

The Main Street Iowa Market Study and Strategies Service engages the market itself – community members, area residents, business persons and other stakeholders – to gain an understanding of local and regional market conditions and trends impacting the district’s position in the market and opportunities for the future. Insights and directions derived through the process serve to ground the community’s vision in the realities of the marketplace and provide a basis for projects and activities that align with, and are carried out as part of, a well-coordinated and congruent transformation strategy.

This document summarizes key strategies for Downtown Fort Dodge economic development and enhancement initiatives based on an extensive review of background information and current market data; input provided via consumer and business surveys; and direction and leadership provided by Fort Dodge Main Street leaders, volunteers and community members.