Advocacy
The JRC works with its partners(e.g., City of Jamestown, Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau, Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Development Center, and Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency) to promote downtown Jamestown’s potential as the region’s economic and cultural hub. Our primary advocacy work is championing the Urban Design Plan and its 2018 update. These documents present a vision for downtown, which leverages its assets and addresses shortcomings holding our community back. It does this by taking a 20,000 foot view of downtown, with a focus on significant themes and actions. This view creates a great framework and gives the JRC the opportunity and responsibility of developing tools, programs, and initiatives that will realize the Urban Design Plan vision.
Looking beyond the Urban Design Plan, the JRC advocates on behalf of downtown stakeholders to ensure their voices are heard and the appropriate resources are made available. We advocate for downtown to be a welcoming place for all segments of our community to contribute and receive enrichment.
Technical Assistance
We provide advice, connections, and knowledge related to the varied aspects of operating a successful business, stewarding a historic building, and contributing to the community in meaningful ways.
Our Assistance Can Include:
- Assist in reviewing business plan material to provide insights on how your business can best interact with downtown and the community.
- Discuss real estate options available for lease or purchase
- Outline the processes involved with having a large event downtown.
Our website has resources available, and our staff is available to discuss the struggles and opportunities in downtown Jamestown.
Leverage Financial Tools
Refurbishing an older building in a soft real estate market can be risky and challenging. That’s why assisting property and business owners with improvements to downtown Jamestown’s historic building stock is a top priority for the JRC. We administer grants to downtown business and building owners while also connecting folks to other resources available in our community. These tools include accessing loans, exploring non-traditional capital raising (crowdfunding, direct public offerings), and promoting the use of Historic Tax Credits.
Be sure to sign up for email updates from the JRC to be notified of grants, incentives, and additional support as it becomes available.
Are you looking for space for your business? Take a look at our Downtown Property page to see what is available.