The City of New Sharon will welcome the Iowa Downtown Resource Center and the Iowa Economic Development Authority for a two-day Downtown Assessment Visit on May 27–28, 2026. The public and media are invited to attend the community presentation on Thursday, May 28, where the visiting Consultant Team will share their findings and recommendations for strengthening New Sharon’s downtown district.
About the Downtown Assessment Visit
During a 2day visit, the Consultant Team will examine community information, review local plans, meet with community leaders, tour the community, and engage in focused discussions about New Sharon’s opportunities and challenges. Their work culminates in a public presentation followed by a comprehensive written report.
The Consultant Team is composed of five professionals with extensive experience in downtown development. Prior to arriving, the team will review materials provided by the community to ensure their time on site is used efficiently and effectively. Because every community has its own priorities, assets, and challenges, the team’s observations and recommendations will be tailored specifically to New Sharon. To
support this work, a brief online survey will be distributed to a sample of community residents prior to the visit.
A typical downtown assessment includes:
Day One: Community and downtown tours, business visits, and interviews with city officials, development groups, community members, and stakeholder organizations.
Day Two: Additional interviews and a dedicated work session for the team to begin outlining their observations and recommendations.
Public Presentation – All Are Welcome
Thursday, May 28, 2026 Time: 2:00 PM Duration: 2 hours Open to: All residents, business owners, organizations, and media representatives
The public presentation will highlight the team’s initial findings and offer actionable recommendations to support the longterm vitality of downtown New Sharon.
