David Feehan considers different approaches to measuring the success of the downtown organization.
(Boonton, NJ, April 2, 2012) — In the April issue of Downtown Idea Exchange, David Feehan notes that many "business district management organizations, both large and small, either collect no data, collect the wrong data, or fail to use what they collect in an effective way."
Feehan, president of Civitas Consultants, notes that he recently conducted a workshop for Main Street, BID, and commercial district managers. "When I asked how they were measuring their accomplishments, I heard some familiar answers."
"\'We report how many hours our cleaning staff sweep sidewalks,\' one manager said. Another noted how many gallons of trash were collected. A third reported that her organization estimated increases in the number of people attending events."
"What\'s wrong with tracking hours, gallons, and attendees? Nothing, really," says Feehan, "except that it tells you very little about how successful your program is. And while it may or may not provide you with useful management information, it probably is not compelling evidence of success for business and property owners, local residents, or public officials."
To learn how Feehan recommends quantifying success, read his article, "Measuring success: from inputs to impacts" at: http://www.DowntownDevelopment.com/perspectives.php.
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About the Downtown Research & Development Center
For over 50 years, the Downtown Research & Development Center has acted as the information clearinghouse on practical strategies and tactics for revitalizing the hearts of our cities and towns.
The Group\'s main activities include publishing the widely influential Downtown Idea Exchange and Downtown Promotion Reporter newsletters; publishing relevant books and reports; and operating the DowntownDevelopment.com website.
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