News
ENLARGE
The Town of Dillon recently formed a team to spearhead its economic development and redevelopment efforts.
With the title “director of economic development” added to her role, marketing and communications director Susan Fairweather said the group will work to find opportunities and incentives for existing businesses within the town, as well as attract developers to develop or redevelop town properties.
“The council has given clear direction that Dillon is open for business, and the formation of the Dillon Urban Renewal Authority was the first step. The formation of the economic development team is a crucial step for our town,” said police chief and acting town co-manager Joe Wray. “We are working with council to find the right incentives to spur development.”
Wray, and town finance director and acting town co-manager Carri McDonnell and senior town planner Beverly Kaiser also make up the team. They are meeting once a week.
The town formed its urban renewal authority — a commission created to improve the town's center and encourage development — in 2009, and is also considering moving forward with the formation of a Tax Increment Financing District, which would allow the authority to collect upon extra property taxes as assessed values increase. The funds would be put toward redevelopment.
“The town has worked hard to ready itself for redevelopment” Mayor Ron Holland said. “The energy and opportunities that are being created are exciting for everyone, especially our businesses.”
Fairweather said the economic development team is examining areas like Avon, Golden, Arvada and Estes Park, which have all established TIF districts in the past. They are also coming up with incentives for new and existing businesses, “that would trigger positive economic development.” Fairweather said the team is especially interested in getting ideas from local and potential business owners.
“The Town of Dillon wants to talk ... our doors are not closed,” Fairweather said. “We want innovation, we want to be creative. We need to be thinking in ways that are meaningful in today's market.”
With the title “director of economic development” added to her role, marketing and communications director Susan Fairweather said the group will work to find opportunities and incentives for existing businesses within the town, as well as attract developers to develop or redevelop town properties.
“The council has given clear direction that Dillon is open for business, and the formation of the Dillon Urban Renewal Authority was the first step. The formation of the economic development team is a crucial step for our town,” said police chief and acting town co-manager Joe Wray. “We are working with council to find the right incentives to spur development.”
Wray, and town finance director and acting town co-manager Carri McDonnell and senior town planner Beverly Kaiser also make up the team. They are meeting once a week.
The town formed its urban renewal authority — a commission created to improve the town's center and encourage development — in 2009, and is also considering moving forward with the formation of a Tax Increment Financing District, which would allow the authority to collect upon extra property taxes as assessed values increase. The funds would be put toward redevelopment.
“The town has worked hard to ready itself for redevelopment” Mayor Ron Holland said. “The energy and opportunities that are being created are exciting for everyone, especially our businesses.”
Fairweather said the economic development team is examining areas like Avon, Golden, Arvada and Estes Park, which have all established TIF districts in the past. They are also coming up with incentives for new and existing businesses, “that would trigger positive economic development.” Fairweather said the team is especially interested in getting ideas from local and potential business owners.
“The Town of Dillon wants to talk ... our doors are not closed,” Fairweather said. “We want innovation, we want to be creative. We need to be thinking in ways that are meaningful in today's market.”
More info:
Dillon is holding business open houses at Town Hall, open to anyone with suggestions or who just wants to find out more about what the town is doing. The dates are:
6-8 p.m., Feb. 14
8-10 a.m., Feb. 22
3-5 p.m., Mar. 1
With questions or for more information, call Town Hall at (970) 468-2403.
Information about TIF districts are available online at www.townofdillon.com.
