Downtown New Jersey offers a variety of in-person and virtual opportunities for downtown managers, economic development professionals, and public officials to exchange ideas about best practices related to downtown economic development. Check out the opportunities to interact with your peers below.
June 26, 2020 – At this forum, Larisa Ortiz, Managing Director of Research & Analysis at Streetsense, provided an overview of the Commercial District Recovery Guide that provides place-based organizations and intermediary partners focused on community economic development with a curated roadmap for action to support COVID-19 recovery efforts in downtowns and commercial districts.
June 19, 2020 – At this forum, we learned best practices from industry experts, and how NJ business owners are handling re-entry.
June 12, 2020 – Now more than ever, “going digital” is necessary to stay relevant and present in the consumer’s mind. At this forum, we heard about a few of the digital resources that our members have found valuable for both their downtown and their businesses.
May 29, 2020 – At this forum, Christina Fuentes, Director of Small Business Services at NJEDA provided an overview of the Phase 2 Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program.
May 22, 2020 – At this forum, panelists discussed how towns can amend their ordinances and permitting processes now to ensure they fully support their businesses’ ability to adapt to social distancing expectations.
May 13, 2020 – During an online Downtown Management Forum, we were joined by Rachel Sieg of the HDSID and Rebecca Hersh of Main Street Highland Park, to lead a conversation about reopening farmer’s markets safely and successfully.
May 8, 2020 – During an online Downtown Management Forum, members of DNJ discussed concerns, ideas, and needs for reopening safely.
April 28, 2020 – As part of Sustainable Jersey’s Virtual Summit, Downtown New Jersey Executive Director, Courtenay Mercer and NJDCA’s Neighborhood Preservation Program Administrator, Jef Buehler discussed how we can support local business when it’s not business as usual.
April 24, 2020 – We were joined by Donna Ann Harris of Heritage Consulting Inc. to discuss the BID board’s role in financial oversight and budgeting in light of COVID-19 economic impacts.
April 17, 2020 – We were joined by Marta Person Villa, NJ Retail Lead and Senior Vice President with Jones Lang LaSalle and a former SID director, municipal administrator, and DNJ President. Ms. Villa discussed “what’s next” – how does your downtown recover from economic upheaval, and what can you do now to plan for a time when we’re all back to business?
