4.0. 5.0. 6.0. HRSR 08-24-1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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To: Paul Steinman City of Elk River From: Theresa Washburn 608 637-7264 8/17/98 16:27:18 Page 2 of 3 • Elk River Begins Commercial District Design Process Elk River, MN HRA made the first step towards creating a comprehensive design for the core business district. HRA hired Theresa Washburn and Associates to assist in the pre- design phase of the project. For the next few months Washburn will work with the HRA, community organizations and the general public to educate and prepare them before the planning/design drawings are prepared. Washburn's job is to create community interest in the project and lead them through a visioning and workplan process. The challenge is to encourage existing groups to work together for a common goal. In order to create a plan that does more than collect dust; the community must play an integral part in its creation. "It is a matter of letting change happen to you, versus being part of the change. The first step in the process is a community presentation where Ms. Washburn will speak about the process and the positive and negative effects it can have on town. During the • presentation she will discuss the five elements of successful community revitalization. These elements link to the design process allowing the community not only to create the design, but to implement it as well. She will also address a few concerns with the existing conditions of the Elk River Commercial district. Slides of Elk River and other communities will give the audience a visual picture of the possibilities for change. Washburn has been working in community development for 12 years. She has her Bachelors in Environmental Design and has completed her Masters coursework in Land Use Planning at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She is currently working on her thesis "Sacred Spaces in Western Wisconsin". Ms. Washburn worked in Viroqua, WI as a community revitalization manager for 3 years. During that time Viroqua was featured in the Wal Street Journal, CBS Evening News and Smithsonian magazine as well as many state publications. The program was successful due to community involvement and commitment. Viroqua, a Main Street City, received assistance from the Wisconsin Main Street program and National Main Street Center. Over the last 6 years Washburn • has worked with over 25 communities, assisting them with design, organization, marketing and promotion, and economic development issues. She takes a no nonsense