Astoria to host Downtown Revitalization Conference Set for October 2-4, 2013

 Oregon Main Street’s Annual Conference showcasing best practices for downtown revitalization will take place October 2-4, 2013 in downtown Astoria.  Astoria, which exemplifies the conference theme, "Cool Cities: Old Buildings. New Attitudes," will showcase its historic buildings, numerous shopping and dining opportunities, and variety of activities to the 200+ conference attendees.
This one-of-a-kind conference brings together a group of specialists in the field of downtown revitalization. The conference is open to staff and volunteers from organizations focusing on downtown economic development; downtown business and property owners; government leaders; and others with an interest in helping guide the future of their downtown. Attendees will learn downtown revitalization tools and techniques.

Sessions will be geared toward both beginners and those with more experience. Topics include: historic theaters, pop-ups on main street, energy efficiency and historic preservation, local investing tools, branding, how brewpubs are revitalizing downtowns, effective task forces, urban renewal, working with property owners, fundraising, and an entire track dedicated to preservation.

This year’s keynote presentation, “Power of Ten,” will feature Fred Kent. As founder and president of Project for Public Spaces, Mr. Kent is known throughout the world as a dynamic speaker and prolific idea man. In his presentation, Mr. Kent will discuss Placemaking - The Power of Ten principles, and how to create livable cities. Case studies from around the world will exemplify both small-scale interventions to large scale public destinations with insight into how they were achieved and why they are successful.

The 2013 Oregon Main Street Conference will include walking tours, lectures, and networking time. The opening session will also feature the annual "Excellence in Downtown Revitalization" awards presentation, recognizing outstanding accomplishments in downtown revitalization throughout the state.

Given the dates of the Oregon Main Street Conference, the ADHDA General Meeting, normally held the first Friday of each month at Baked Alaska at 8:30am, will be postponed until Friday, November 1. The ADHDA encourages all downtown business, property owners, and those interested in downtown revitalization to attend the conference. Admission is free to Astorians, with ADHDA’s participation as a “Transforming Downtown” in the Oregon Main Street Program, but registration is required.

For more conference and registration information, visit www.oregonheritage.org or contact Alana Garner, ADHDA Executive Director at 503.791.7940 or alana@astoriadowntown.com.