CHAPTER 9: IMPLEMENTATION

INTRODUCTION The development of the Downtown Plan for the City of Adel is a significant milestone to provide guidance for future development. However, the success of the plan is determined by its implementation. The matrices in previous chapters identified the primary actions for the City to take in order to implement policies, along with potential funding sources, partners/stakeholders, and the timeframe.

Time frames are defined in four categories: short-term anticipates completion within five years; medium-term anticipates completion in five to ten years; long-term anticipates completion in ten to twenty years; and ongoing indicates that a policy is a continuing solution that may not reach a definite end. The implementation strategies identified should remain consistent with the Adel Comprehensive Plan. To ensure the continued relationship between the documents and goals, policies and implementation methods within them should be reviewed annually.

Many of policies involve committees, educational opportunities, and business opportunities. Community stakeholders should work together in deciding the most appropriate means of developing these and the most appropriate space to house them. Policies that rely on state and federal agencies (such as transportation and historic preservation) should be directed to the appropriate stakeholder to develop a partnership with the agency to implement the policy.

MONITORING PROGRESS OF THE DOWNTOWN PLAN Progression of the Downtown Plan relies on accurately monitoring the activities connected to each goal and policy. The Downtown Plan presents bold ideas that will improve the day-to-day experience of Adel residents, as well as the physical form of the city. The monitoring of these ideas is planned in three increments: an annual report, an amendment process, and five-year updates are outlined below to provide consistent, measurable updates to the Downtown Plan.

ANNUAL REPORT In order to monitor the progress of the Downtown Plan, the city of Adel will review the downtown planning process on an annual basis, prior to the beginning of a new fiscal year. The purpose of this review is to acquire a clear point-in-time understanding of which goals and policies are currently underway and which have been delayed or encountered challenges.

Responsible parties for the annual review process will be the City Manager and the Planning and Zoning Commission, in conjunction with the Historic Preservation and the Economic Development Commissions. Updates from Adel Partners Chamber of Commerce should also be included, as relationships with businesses will be crucial to fulfilling many of the goals and policies included in the Downtown Plan. The review process will result in a progress report to be presented to City Council.

Benefits of an annual review process and progress report are to ensure the Downtown Plan is progressing in line with the larger Comprehensive Plan and that priority goals are not falling behind. Understanding the progress of the plan also ensures that goals and policies are in line with any ordinance or zoning updates that may be happening concurrently.

Examples of items to include in the progress report are:

An accounting of which goals and policies are underway, which have been completed, and which have not yet been started. Descriptions of types of funding that have been acquired or tax incentives that have been applied, and which goals and policies these funding mechanisms are being used for. Significant accomplishments that the city of Adel and its partners have achieved, as well as significant obstacles that have inhibited progress.

Recommendations from all responsible parties about amendments to the plan that may be necessary and recommendations for programs and projects to be undertaken in the coming year.

A simple matrix could be used to communicate significant portions of the annual progress report, such as the following:

Table 9.1 Annual Report Matrix

Goal and Policy Action Responsible Parties

(e.g. Sustainability Goal 1: Modes of Transportation: Develop bike and pedestrian friendly initiatives.) (e.g. Create a bike share program.) (e.g. City of Adel and the Planning and Zoning Commission) Implementation No Action Underway Completed Observations

AMENDMENT PROCESS In conjunction with the amendment process for the city’s Comprehensive Plan, the Downtown Plan should be updated annually, with a more comprehensive review every five years. An active amendment process such as this allows for obstacles, opportunities, or changes in circumstances to be responded to in a timely manner rather than allowing the Downtown Plan to lose momentum. If amendments are proposed, all responsible parties should:

Ensure that said amendments are consistent with existing goals and policies within the plan. o Much of the Downtown Plan is catered to fostering and protecting the charm of the historic square, and to using the Raccoon River Valley Trail as an asset. Therefore, any proposed amendments should not significantly alter the character of downtown or inhibit the safe use of the trail. Be consistent with the adopted Future Land Use plan. Allow time for public comments and public engagement through outreach to residents.

FIVE-YEAR UPDATES Every five years, it is beneficial to complete a more rigorous evaluation of the Downtown Plan. This evaluation should note how successfully the plan has been implemented to date and pay particular attention to accomplishments and obstacles. Over the course of five years, major changes may develop in Adel that the Downtown Plan needs to respond to through larger updates.

Circumstances impacting the plan could be population and/or demographic changes, or extenuating circumstances that prevent goals and policies from being completed within their planned timeline. More up-to-date market analyses and labor-shed analyses could also impact the direction the plan takes, thus making this type of data necessary for evaluating the continued efficacy of the plan.

The end result of the five-year review process will be a written report identifying:

Major successes and accomplishments that have positively impacted downtown. Major obstacles and challenges that have required creative partnerships or problem solving, as well as challenges that have proven insurmountable at that point in time. Major changes in market and labor shed analyses. How the plan will be updated in light of accomplishments, obstacles, and new market or labor trends, as well as the underlying rationale for such changes. o As with the annual amendment process, the city should allow time for public comments on these five-year updates, as well as public engagement and outreach.

The responsible parties for this five-year evaluation will continue to be the City Manager, the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Economic Development Commission, the Historic Preservation Commission, and the Adel Partners Chamber of Commerce.

IMPLEMENTATION MATRIX Below is an implementation matrix that has been compiled from each pillar’s chapter, which is ordered by priority from highest to lowest. The matrix presented here excludes the individual action steps for each policy for the purpose of being concise, as well as the identified timeframe for the policy and/or action steps. The purpose of the matrix as it is included here is to succinctly show which policies may be prioritized as the means of implementation (e.g. funding) become available. To this end, potential partners and

potential funding sources are shown with their respective policies so that the community can get a sense of how the plan’s policies can become a reality.

Each pillar of the plan has been color coded within the matrix in order to make it easier to navigate. The color-coding system can be seen to the right. Conservation Growth The Square Vitality

Table 9.2 Adel Downtown Plan Implementation Matrix Policy Timeline Potential Partners Potential Funding Priority Encourage bike usage through the implementation of bike infrastructure and services. Medium IADOT, Transportation Engineering Firm Recreational Trails Program (RTP), Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) High Implement new stormwater management initiatives. Medium CoA, DSWCD, IADNR Clean Water State Revolving Fund, Watershed Improvement Grants (319) High Establish policies that recognize the benefits provided by conserving natural ecosystems. Long CoA Wildlife Habitat with Local Entities Grant Program High Develop community education and engagement programs for environmental sustainability techniques. Short, Medium CoA, APCC, IDNR, DC SWCD, EPA, Trees Forever, The Nature Conservancy, RRVTA, Adel School District Recreational Trails Program Funds High Develop cost-share program to encourage environmental practices on private property including rain gardens, rain barrels, and permeable paving. Short, Medium CoA, APCC N/A High Revise zoning and land-use policies to support denser housing, paralleled with advocacy for workforce housing opportunities for families at different income levels. Short PZC, AHPC, HAC USDA Multi-family Housing Direct Loans, Community Development Block Grant Housing Rehabilitation Fund High Convene a committee to focus on issues of affordable housing in Adel and to work on creating relationships with building owners and landlords. Ongoing CoA, APCC N/A High Develop a marketing campaign to target entrepreneurs with unique business ideas in order to demonstrate downtown Adel as a prime brick-andmortar location. Ongoing APCC Rural Business Development Grant Program, Targeted Small Business Program High

Policy Timeline Potential Partners Potential Funding Priority Coordinate with organizations and businesses to understand their needs and develop educational programs, workshops, and events. Ongoing CoA, APCC, EDC Admission Fee for events High Identify and nominate eligible sites in and around the Square to the National Register of Historic Places with the assistance of the Adel Historic Preservation Commission and install additional plaques. Ongoing AHPC Certified Local Government Grants High Educate The Square’s property owners about and enforce the design standards laid out by the Adel Historic Preservation Commission. Medium CoA, APCC Certified Local Government Grants High Create bike signage directing cyclists downtown to support businesses around The Square and to increase motorists’ awareness of bicyclists. Short CoA TAP High Partner with businesses to create space for bike parking to welcome riders to The Square, utilizing alleyways when appropriate, and design standards for bike racks that will be in keeping with the historical character of downtown Short CoA, APCC, AHPC, Local bike groups Project Specific Fundraisers, Private Donations, TAP High Identify target areas for redevelopment and revitalization that encourage multi-use activity centers. Medium CoA, APCC N/A High Optimize the online presence of Downtown Adel with strong advertising and outreach strategies for events, business highlights, and news on multiple social media platforms. Ongoing CoA, APCC, Local businesses N/A High Encourage underrepresented populations to establish businesses in downtown Adel with policies that promote SBA 8(a) funding. Ongoing CoA, APCC SBA 8(a), New Market Tax Credit Program High Solicit a variety of business types and services based on the Market Analysis of this plan and other economic and retail data available for downtown Adel. Short CoA, APCC SBA 8(a) High Increase the supply of bicycle parking with bike racks that match the historic character of downtown. Short CoA, APCC, DC Conservation, DC Health, IADOT STP Funds, Sustainable Funding (Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund) High

Policy Timeline Potential Partners Potential Funding Priority Improve the visibility of pedestrian and bicycle crossings with reflective paint and flashing crosswalk signage at major roadway and Raccoon River Valley Trail intersections. Short CoA, DC Conservation, IADOT STP Funds, DOT TIGER Funds High Continue to collaborate with the county, school board and other municipalities about transportation options and decisions for the future of downtown Adel. Ongoing CoA, APCC, DC, IADOT, HIRTA Public Transit, Adel Public Schools NCMM Technical Assistance Grant High Implement traffic-slowing techniques such as curbside plantings and bump-outs at high-speed and highvolume intersections, such as Green Street and Nile Kinnick Avenue. Medium CoA, DC, IADOT FAST Act Funding High Increase traffic and pedestrian signage throughout downtown including road paintings for crosswalks and trail crossings. Short CoA, DC, DC Conservation, IADOT Complete Streets Technical Assistance Grant High Partner with local artists to beautify downtown alleyways with street art, such as large-scale murals. Medium CoA, APCC, Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs N/A High Promote non-motorized modes of transportation through the development of bike and pedestrianfriendly initiatives. Medium IADOT, NGO's, Transportation Engineering Firm PeopleforBikes Community Grants, Kodak American Greenways Grant Medium Beautify downtown Adel by utilizing natural features and streetscaping. Medium CoA, IADOT, IADNR Kodak American Greenways Grant, TAP Medium Implement green building standards in new construction projects. Short, Medium, Ongoing PZC, EPA Community Development Block Grant; Local, State and Federal tax incentives Medium Develop a community recycling program with public space to dispose of items. Short, Medium CoA, APCC Recreational Trails Program Funds Medium Prioritize infill development and building rehabilitation to create affordable housing and commercial options for all Adel residents. Medium PZC, AHPC Community Catalyst Building Remediation, Iowa Workforce Housing Tax Credit Program, USDA Multi-family Housing Programs Medium Grow the population of the community contiguous to downtown by providing amenities like cultural places, community centers and recreational spaces. Medium CoA, DC TIF, Rural Business Development Grant Program Medium Create a Rental Assistance Program to assist families seeking affordable rental housing. Medium CoA, APCC Community Development Block Grant, USDA Single and Multi-family Housing Programs, Iowa Workforce Housing Tax Credit Program Medium

Policy Timeline Potential Partners Potential Funding Priority Promote civic and entertainment events for Downtown Adel. Short CoA, Citizens Admission Fee for events Medium Communicate with IADOT regarding installation of turn lanes at the intersection of Greene St. and HWY 169 as well as other improvements that could alleviate some of the congestion. Ongoing IADOT, DC, DCDSR, CoA TSIP Medium Provide incentives to encourage the rehabilitation and reuse of historic buildings and improvement of brick streets. Ongoing CoA, APCC, DC, AHPC Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program, Historic Preservation Easement Tax Incentive, Iowa Workforce Housing Tax Credit program Medium Initiate new methods of adding to a historic preservation fund and raising public awareness of local landmarks that are significant to maintaining Adel’s historic charm. Short CoA, AHPC Options to round up utility bills, Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program Medium Link the Raccoon River Valley Trail to downtown Adel through the creation of new bike lanes, creating an orderly network of bike trails/paths within the downtown boundary aligned with Adel’s “Comprehensive Park and Open Space Plan.” Medium CoA, IADNR, IADOT, DC BUILD Grants, Iowa Clean Air Attainment Program (ICAAP), Corporate sponsorships and partnerships (i.e. Raccoon Pavilion), Special Use Permits (i.e. Dog Park, Archery Range), Volunteer/In-kind Donations, TAP, TSIP Medium Implement new branding for downtown Adel, which will be used at specified “gateways” to the area, such as the intersection of Greene Street and Nile Kinnick Drive. Medium CoA, Local artists Friends Associations (Non-profit groups committed to helping raise funds for projects to better their community) Medium Develop an annual downtown employer/employee workshop that educates businesses about current trends and opportunities. Medium CoA, APCC, IEDA IEDA grants Medium Continue to foster a relationship with the Dallas County Courthouse to share their greenspace for community events. Medium CoA, APCC, DC N/A Medium Reinforce Downtown as a place for pedestrians and cyclists by completing a trail connection between the Raccoon River Valley Trail and the Dallas County Courthouse. Short CoA, APCC, DC Health Complete Streets Technical Assistance Grant, NCMM Technical Assistance Grant Medium Develop a unique marketing brand for downtown Adel that establishes an identity for the area and strengthens advertising for businesses and events. Short CoA, APCC, Local businesses Marketing Assistance Grants Medium

Policy Timeline Potential Partners Potential Funding Priority Adjust zoning regulations to accommodate outdoor seating along sidewalks to enhance and strengthen the appeal of downtown. Medium CoA, APCC, Local businesses Iowa Arts Council Arts Build Communities Grant; Cultural Heritage Project Grant Medium Continue to prioritize the use of existing infrastructure before building new to reduce the environmental impact of new development. Ongoing CoA, APCC Tax incentives, Historic tax credits Low Promote year-round activity on the Raccoon River Valley Trail. Short DC, APCC, CoA, RRVTA, Adel School District, Trees Forever: Planting a Better Tomorrow N/A Low Utilize Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and other funding to incentivize new businesses, particularly retail and restaurants. Medium CoA, APCC TIF; Rural Business Development Grant Program; Local, State and Federal Tax Incentives Low Establish a business incubator within the downtown. Short CoA, APCC Rural Business Development Grant Program, TIF Low Attract national brands while maintaining a balance with locally owned businesses. Medium CoA, APCC, DC, EDC TIF, Local, State, and Federal tax incentives Low Design more visible crosswalks and collaborate with IADOT on how to install crosswalk lights and other infrastructure improvements on both Highway 169 and Highway 6. Ongoing CoA, IADOT, DC, DCDSR TSIP, TAP, Pedestrian Curb Ramp Construction Funding from IADOT Low Create a series of free guided walking tours that highlight the Square’s history, architecture, and businesses. Medium APCC, AHM, AHPC Historical Resource Development Program Low Evaluate conditions of sidewalks around The Square and create a timeline for repairing and/or widening sidewalks where necessary. Long CoA Sales Tax, TSIP Low Implement and update sign regulations for downtown. Short CoA, DC N/A Low Encourage a more appropriate balance between private and public building ownership for The Square. Long CoA, DC N/A Low Host a weekly extended-hours retail night to make downtown businesses more accessible to residents. Short CoA, Local businesses N/A Low Form a local public art commission to organize, develop, and seek funding for installing public art in the downtown area, including murals and sculptures. Medium CoA, APCC Iowa Arts Council Arts Build Communities Grant, Cultural Heritage Project Grant Low