Beautification top priority for new DID president

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - The Downtown Improvement District's new president said business development, getting people to move downtown and beautification are his top priorities.

Bill Brown, also an Allen County Councilman, had been serving as interim president since June 2012. Tuesday, the DID board announced Brown was the permanent president.

The Allen County Council partially funds the DID's $550,000 budget. Brown says he won't vote on the council's budget to avoid a conflict of interest.

When it comes to getting people to go downtown more, Brown said little things can make a big difference.

"When you see trash or crumbled concrete or graffiti, all of a sudden you believe it's this way, but if you see flowers and crisp, well-maintained things people have another perception," Brown said.

For the last several months, volunteers have already been cleaning up the corridors into downtown.

"We want to make downtown beautiful, keep it safe and clean and make it a nice environment for folks," he said.

Attracting and keeping businesses is also key.

"We founded a downtown business club that meets monthly and it's a way for folks to get to know each other and really one of my main things is to build a community," Brown said.

Brown will also push efforts to encourage people to move downtown. While the DID also sponsors festivals and events throughout the year, Brown says it's ultimately up to the community to create a thriving downtown.

"For anyone who wants a great downtown, a vibrant downtown, a fun downtown, then come down and participate," Brown said.

Follow these links for information on upcoming events from the DID.