Resource Library

Relevant case studies, research, webinars and more on issues that downtown organizations work on. Click here if you have a question or want to suggest a resource for the library. 

Filter Your Results

Reset Filters
Sort By Description Category Type Tags
Economic Vitality
Organization
Case StudyCommunity EngagementDownload

A Planning Guide for Making Temporary Events Accessible to People with Disabilities

A Planning Guide for Making Temporary Events Accessible to People with Disabilities (ADA National Network, 2015)
Design
Promotion
Toolkit/GuideAccessibility
Events
Download
DesignToolkit/GuideParks and Greenspace
Placemaking
Download

Assistant Director Job Description

Example description for Assistant Director position.
OrganizationTemplatehiring
job
job posting
Download

Co-op Month Webinar Series Part 1: Human Resources Best Practices for Your Growing Co-Op Business

During this session, the panelists discuss best practices and policies in human resources for cooperative employees, managers, directors, and others as the cooperative business expands and adds more employees, with a focus on Maine law. Panelists: Tara Walker – Shareholder, Bernstein Shur, Labor & Employment John Crane – General Manager, Portland Food Co-op PASSCODE: kK17*cr!
Economic VitalityVideo/Webinarco-op
cooperative business
Small Business Support
Download

Co-op Month Webinar Series Part 2: Strategies for New Co-Ops: Financing, Business Planning, and Growth”

During this session, the panelists discuss issues relevant to start-up co-ops, including issues related to business planning, entity formation, financing, and early growth. 10/18/23 Panelists: Helen Coburn – Shareholder, Bernstein Shur, Business Law Sarah Speare – Co-Founder/CEO, Tootie’s Tempeh, Inc. PASSCODE: *ZFe?4k4
Economic VitalityVideo/Webinarco-op
cooperative business
Small Business Support
Download

Co-op Month Webinar Series Part 3: Strategies for Planning and Financing Cooperative Expansions

During this session, the panelists address strategies for existing cooperatives looking to plan and finance the expansion and growth of the business and their facilities, including examples from recent Maine co-ops that have completed their own expansion projects. 10/25/23 Panelists: Chris Linder – Loan & Outreach Officer, Cooperative Fund of the NE Adam Prescott – Shareholder, Bernstein Shur, Business Restructuring & Insolvency Doug Johnson – General Manager, Belfast Community Co-op Kevin Gadsby – General Manager, Blue Hill Co-op PASSCODE: w3fJ42!3
Economic VitalityVideo/Webinarco-op
cooperative business
Small Business Support
Download

Coastal Risk Explorer

The Nature Conservancy Coastal Risk Explorer tool to assess service access & vulnerabilities
Economic Vitality
Organization
Toolkit/Guide
Website
climate
disaster
disaster planning
disaster response
extreme weather
flood
flooding
hazard
Measurement and Data
Online Platforms
weather
Download
DesignToolkit/GuideStreet DesignDownload

Common Grant Application Form

National Network of Grantmakers Common Grant Application Form
Economic Vitality
Organization
Toolkit/Guidegrant
grant writing
Organizational Development
Download

Construction Business Resources

Laramie, WY went through a utility line project that impacted businesses in downtown – it’s rough especially when there is no visible improvement at the end (but new water lines are a necessary thing). They put together a packet for businesses to help them prep for construction along with pre-made posters, social media posts etc. for them to use.
Design
Economic Vitality
WebsiteAccessibility
Community Engagement
construction
Permitting and Local Regulations
Small Business Support
Storefronts
Street Design
Download

Cost of Vacant Buildings

Cost of Vacant Buildings one pager- Main Street Iowa
Economic VitalityVacant PropertiesDownload
Design
Economic Vitality
Organization
Promotion
Case Study
Toolkit/Guide
Community Engagement
Fundraising
Indoor and Outdoor Markets
Placemaking
Small Business Support
Download
Design
Economic Vitality
Organization
Promotion
Toolkit/GuideCommunity Engagement
Events
Indoor and Outdoor Markets
Parks and Greenspace
Street Design
Download
OrganizationReportCommunity Engagement
Equity
Housing
Parks and Greenspace
Street Design
Vacant Properties
Download

Draft Ordinance for Vacant Properties

Emporia, Kansas ordinance for vacant properties
Economic VitalityCase Study
Report
Toolkit/Guide
Permitting and Local Regulations
Vacant Properties
Download
OrganizationTemplate
Toolkit/Guide
hiring
Organizational Development
Download
OrganizationToolkit/Guidehiring
interview
Organizational Development
Download

Example business survey- event economic impact

Example survey sent to businesses post-downtown event to gauge economic impact.
Economic Vitality
Organization
Toolkit/GuideEvents
Measurement and Data
Small Business Support
Download
DesignToolkit/GuideCommunity Engagement
Permitting and Local Regulations
Street Design
Download

Grant Writing Made Easy

Grant Writing Made Easy Powerpoint from the Grant Training Center
Economic Vitality
Organization
Toolkit/GuideFundraising
grant
grant writing
Organizational Development
Download
Design
Organization
Toolkit/GuideCommunity Engagement
Equity
Download

January 2024 Storms: Resources

Island Institute- In the wake of the January storms, our island and coastal communities are grappling with the devastating impacts of severe flooding and storm damage. To support the families and businesses through this difficult time, we are sharing resources to recover, rebuild, and prepare for the future. If you have questions or need additional assistance please contact Nick Battista, Chief Policy Officer: nbattista@islandinstitute.org.
Economic Vitality
Organization
Toolkit/Guide
Website
climate
disaster
disaster planning
disaster response
flood
flooding
hazard
weather
Download

Job Ad

Example ad for a Program Coordinator job posting.
OrganizationTemplatehiring
interview
job
job posting
Download

Job Description- Program Coordinator

Example job description for a Program Coordinator position.
OrganizationTemplatehiring
interview
job
job posting
Download

Job Posting Draft

draft example of a job posting
OrganizationTemplatehiring
interview
job
job posting
Download
OrganizationToolkit/GuideOrganizational DevelopmentDownload
OrganizationReportCommunity EngagementDownload
Design
Organization
Toolkit/GuideOrganizational DevelopmentDownload
DesignToolkit/GuideAccessibility
Historic Preservation
Housing
Parks and Greenspace
Permitting and Local Regulations
Placemaking
Storefronts
Street Design
Vacant Properties
Download
Economic Vitality
Organization
Toolkit/GuideOrganizational DevelopmentDownload
Economic VitalityReportPlacemaking
Small Business Support
Download
Economic Vitality
Organization
Toolkit/GuideDowntown Marketing
Measurement and Data
Small Business Support
Download
OrganizationToolkit/GuideMeasurement and DataDownload
OrganizationToolkit/GuideFundraising
Organizational Development
Download
Organization
Promotion
Toolkit/GuideDowntown Marketing
Organizational Development
Download
Design
Economic Vitality
Organization
Promotion
WebsiteAccessibility
Community Engagement
Downtown Marketing
Energy Efficiency
Equity
Events
Fundraising
Historic Preservation
Housing
Indoor and Outdoor Markets
Measurement and Data
Online Platforms
Organizational Development
Parks and Greenspace
Permitting and Local Regulations
Placemaking
Small Business Support
Storefronts
Street Design
Vacant Properties
VISIT
Economic VitalityReportPlacemaking
Small Business Support
Download

Maine Floodplain Management

Maine Flood Plain Management program Chapter One: Model Floodplain Ordinance (PDF 206KB) Overview of participation in the NFIP, Ordinance Adoption – Model Floodplain Management Ordinance (PDF 136KB) Chapter Two: Floodplain Data (PDF 1.6MB) The Base Flood, Special Flood Hazard Area, Making map Determinations, base Flood Elevations, Riverine SFHAs and Floodways, Coastal High Hazard Areas, Base Flood Studies, Revising Regulatory Floodplain Data Chapter Three: Activities Regulated (PDF 309KB) Development, Statutory Authority to Regulate, Other Activities, Other Regulations Chapter Four: Preventing Increased Damages (PDF 401KB) The Problem,The Floodway Concept, Hazardous Materials Chapter Five: Protecting Structures (PDF 550KB) Structures, The Flood Protection Elevation, How Floods Damage Buildings, Protecting Against Flood Damage, Substantial Improvements/Substantial Damages Chapter Six: Administrative Procedures (PDF 3.3MB) The Development Permit System, Record Keeping Requirements, Checking Elevations in the Field, Variances, Enforcement Chapter Seven: Related Important Information (PDF 29KB) Community Rating System, Emergency Management Institute (PDF 103KB) Appendix A: Annotated Flood Hazard Development Application & Permits (Coastal E Model) (PDF 82KB) Find the Flood Hazard Development Applications and Permits that are appropriate for use in your town. Appendix B: Flood Hazard Development Application & Permits (Coastal E Model) (PDF 110KB) Appendix C: Checking Elevations in the Field (PDF 133KB) Appendix D: Elevation Certificate (PDF 2.4MB) Appendix E: Floodproofing Certificate Appendix F: Other Certificates, V Zone Certificate & Hydraulic Openings Certificate (PDF 27KB) Appendix G: Related Publications & Videos (PDF 28KB) Appendix H: NFIP Entry Information (PDF 174KB) Appendix I: Order FEMA Flood Maps On Line (PDF 393KB) You may also order directly from FEMA’s Map Service Center web site. Appendix J: Assorted Floodplain Management Articles (PDF 92KB) The articles in this file include: Is it in the Floodplain, What if I Subdivide in the Floodplain?, They Just Don’t Get It, Hugo’s Lessons on Construction: NFIP Standards Work, Common Community Errors in Floodplain Management, and Flood Hazard Determination Issues. Appendix K: Biennial Report (PDF 247KB) Appendix L: Executive Order 11988 (PDF 59KB) Appendix M: Benefits of Participation & Effects of Suspension from the NFIP (PDF 1.2MB) Appendix N: Protecting Your Property From Flooding, Anchoring Heating Oil/Propane Tanks – (FEMA 481 DVD Video) (PDF 403KB)
Economic Vitality
Organization
Report
Toolkit/Guide
Website
climate
disaster
disaster planning
disaster response
extreme weather
flood
flooding
hazard
Organizational Development
Small Business Support
weather
Download
PromotionNews ArticleDowntown Marketing
Tourism
Download
Economic Vitality
Organization
Promotion
Video/WebinarCommunity Engagement
Downtown Marketing
Online Platforms
Small Business Support
WATCH

Multi-Lingual Sidewalk Snow Ordinance (Arabic)

Portland City Ordinances and Snow Removal Info Translated for non-English speakers.
Design
Organization
Case Study
Template
Accessibility
Community Engagement
Equity
language
Permitting and Local Regulations
sidewalk
snow
Storefronts
Street Design
Download
DesignCase StudyEquity
Street Design
Download

National Weather Flood Forecast

National weather flood forecast: (note, maps do not typically account for sea-level rise)
Economic Vitality
Organization
Websiteclimate
disaster
disaster planning
disaster response
extreme weather
flood
flooding
hazard
Measurement and Data
Online Platforms
weather
Download
Design
Economic Vitality
Organization
Promotion
Toolkit/GuideParks and Greenspace
Placemaking
Download
Design
Organization
Toolkit/GuideEquity
Street Design
Download
DesignToolkit/GuideStreet DesignDownload

Parks for Pups and People of All Ages

Off-leash dog parks are the fastest-growing type of park in the United States
DesignNews ArticleParks and Greenspace
Placemaking
Download
Economic VitalityToolkit/GuideFundraising
grant
Download

Planning Forward for Stronger Coastal Communities

Gulf of Maine Research Institute Our Municipal Climate Action Program launches a new climate strategy workshop called Planning Forward. Planning Forward, which is one component of a larger community-based climate action effort called Community Resilience Training, supports Maine’s rural coastal communities as they plan and prepare for coastal climate impacts by developing the knowledge, skills, and relationships necessary to create data- and community-informed climate resilience plans. These trainings are developed and implemented by GMRI staff, with facilitation support from partners at the Island Institute and funding support from NOAA.
Economic Vitality
Organization
Toolkit/Guide
Website
climate
disaster
disaster planning
disaster response
flood
flooding
hazard
weather
Download

Portland Snow Removal (Arabic)

Portland City Ordinances and Snow Removal Info Translated for non-English speakers
Design
Organization
Case Study
Template
Accessibility
Community Engagement
Equity
language
Permitting and Local Regulations
sidewalk
Small Business Support
snow
Download

Professional Grant Development Workshop

Grant Training Center Professional Grant Development Workshop guidebook
Economic Vitality
Organization
Toolkit/GuideFundraising
grant
grant writing
Download
OrganizationToolkit/GuideCommunity EngagementDownload
DesignReportStreet DesignDownload

SAMPLE Financial Policies & Procedures

KDDA financial policies and procedures
OrganizationToolkit/GuideOrganizational DevelopmentDownload

SAMPLE Standard Operation Policies & Procedures

Kruppopolis Downtown Development Association Policies and Procedures Handbook
OrganizationToolkit/GuideOrganizational DevelopmentDownload
OrganizationToolkit/GuideOrganizational DevelopmentDownload
Economic VitalityToolkit/GuideSmall Business SupportDownload
Design
Economic Vitality
Organization
Toolkit/GuideHousing
Permitting and Local Regulations
Vacant Properties
Download
WebsitePermitting and Local RegulationsVISIT WEBPAGE

Strategies for New Co-Ops: Financing, Business Planning, and Growth

During this session, the panelists discuss issues relevant to start-up co-ops, including issues related to business planning, entity formation, financing, and early growth. Panelists: Helen Coburn – Shareholder, Bernstein Shur, Business Law Sarah Speare – Co-Founder/CEO, Tootie’s Tempeh, Inc.
Economic VitalitySlideshowco-op
cooperative business
Small Business Support
Download

Strategies for Planning and Financing Cooperative Expansions

During this session, the panelists address strategies for existing cooperatives looking to plan and finance the expansion and growth of the business and their facilities, including examples from recent Maine co-ops that have completed their own expansion projects. 10/25/23 Panelists: Chris Linder – Loan & Outreach Officer, Cooperative Fund of the NE Adam Prescott – Shareholder, Bernstein Shur, Business Restructuring & Insolvency Doug Johnson – General Manager, Belfast Community Co-op Kevin Gadsby – General Manager, Blue Hill Co-op
Economic VitalitySlideshowco-op
cooperative business
Small Business Support
Download
Economic VitalityToolkit/GuideSmall Business SupportDownload
DesignToolkit/GuideSmall Business Support
Street Design
Download

Strengthening the Cooperative Economy: Practical Tips for Current and Prospective Co-ops

During this session, the panelists discuss best practices and policies in human resources for cooperative employees, managers, directors, and others as the cooperative business expands and adds more employees, with a focus on Maine law. Panelists: Tara Walker – Shareholder, Bernstein Shur, Labor & Employment John Crane – General Manager, Portland Food Co-op
Economic VitalitySlideshow
Toolkit/Guide
co-op
cooperative business
Small Business Support
Download
Design
Economic Vitality
Organization
Promotion
Toolkit/GuideCommunity EngagementDownload
OrganizationToolkit/GuideCommunity EngagementDownload
OrganizationReportEnergy Efficiency
Equity
Measurement and Data
Download
Design
Economic Vitality
Organization
Promotion
Toolkit/GuideCommunity Engagement
Downtown Marketing
Measurement and Data
Parks and Greenspace
Small Business Support
Download
DesignToolkit/GuideParks and GreenspaceDownload
DesignToolkit/GuideEvents
Placemaking
Download

Have a question or would like to suggest a resource?

Please contact us via this form or by emailing downtown@mdf.org.

  • Max. file size: 2 MB.
    Files are limited to 2MB.