Mandan City Commission to Consider New Program to Attract Retail–October 15, 2009

October 15, 2009 — The Mandan Growth Fund committee earlier this week recommended approval of a new program aimed at securing new retail concepts for downtown Mandan. The City Commission will consider the proposal at its regular meeting, Tuesday, October 20.

The proposal would use sales tax dollars to help new retail shopkeepers and restaurant owners pay rent for one year. Eligible businesses would receive assistance for up to 50 percent of monthly rent or no more than $3 per square foot for retail and no more than $5 per square foot for restaurants.

Funding of $60,000 is proposed for 2010 using dollars in the City of Mandan business development budget set aside for a retail incubator or other programs aimed at fostering new entrepreneurship and attracting retail to Mandan.

Mandan Business Development Director Ellen Huber explains, “Retail needs a critical mass of residents and vice versa. Mandan retailers also need more retailers. A larger downtown cluster of retail will better attract customers on multi-purpose shopping trips.”

The program is proposed for Mandan’s downtown core area, along Main Street and First Street between Eighth Avenue NW and Sixth Avenue NE.

Since 2006, the city has secured commitments for the new construction, expansion and renovation of 36 commercial properties through either the Renaissance Zone or Storefront Improvement programs. Many of these projects are complete. Mandan has attracted several new businesses and has seen growth in jobs downtown. Still, significant vacancies remain.

More retail shopping is the most important factor to improving Mandan, according to 73 percent of respondents in a 2008 survey of Mandan households. Another 19 percent selected more restaurants as most important. The desire of Mandan citizens for more retail and restaurants was confirmed this year through an on-line survey conducted as part of a community strategic planning effort.

A copy of the proposed Downtown Retail and Restaurant Rent Subsidization Program can be viewed at www.cityofmandan.com or is available upon request at the City of Mandan Business Development Office, phone 667-3485.

Tuesday’s City Commission meeting will be held at City Hall beginning at 5:30 p.m.