Wellington participating in a business district assessment with Downtown Colorado, Inc.

The town of Wellington announced earlier this month an upcoming district assessment visit conducted by Downtown Colorado, Inc. on Feb. 24 and 25. Local organization representatives, business owners, property owners and residents are encouraged to participate in focus groups on Feb. 24.

The technical assistance program is designed to provide downtown revitalization and economic development technical assistance to Colorado communities hoping to support small business, create partnerships and develop and sustain a viable and vibrant commercial corridor. The technical assistance is provided by DCI and includes private and public sector volunteers who provide expertise and practical application from downtown districts across Colorado and the United States.

Since 2005 DCI has teamed with state and local agencies to identify how best to provide guidance and support to small businesses and other service providers that work in local business districts. Focusing on current conditions in the downtown, a tam of professionals spends two days evaluating the community and facilitating focus groups to assess strengths and weaknesses of the downtown as well as creating a foundation from which a work plan can be developed.

Through the DCI technical assistance program, one downtown assessment visit — valued at more than $19,000 — is provided to accepted applicant communities for as little as $6,000 plus travel expenses. The town of Wellington has allocated money for the assessment project in its 2014 budget. A majority of the team volunteers their services the remainder provides services at a discounted cost.

The schedule for technical assistance visits varies, but it usually includes a detailed tour of the community and a full day of focus groups with local government representatives, local organization representatives, business owners, property owners and residents.

The two-day visit is concluded with a presentation the public that explains the assessment as well as action steps. Following the assessment, a detailed hard copy to-do list is provided to assist the community in building local partnerships.

All local organization representatives, business owners, property owners and residents interested in participating are asked to contact Peter Pronko by Feb. 15 at 734-476-7196 or ppronko@acegroup.cc .