Norfolk, Neb. - The Norfolk city council has approved and given the Business Improvement District (BID) the green light for a project to hire a full-time manager.

City officials say this is a step towards improving the economics of downtown Norfolk. In the immediate future, the BID board is set to convene to establish bylaws and appoint an ex-officio member to the Downtown Norfolk Association (DNA) board.

With a proposed budget of approximately $75,000, the initiative aims to cover personnel costs for a downtown manager, office and operational expenses, and strategic communications. The primary objective of this project is to hire a full-time downtown manager, who will be supervised by the DNA. The position will be funded through a square foot assessment on properties within the BID boundary, ensuring that no City funds are utilized and that the manager will not be a City of Norfolk employee.

The DNA will oversee the hiring process once funding is secured. The association will also manage advertisements and refine job descriptions to attract qualified candidates. The decision to pursue a full-time manager comes after observing the positive impact of a part-time employee who worked 10 to 15 hours per week.

The Downtown Manager is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing downtown Norfolk's appeal. By collaborating with the BID, DNA, Visit Norfolk, River Point Creative District, and City staff, the manager will spearhead initiatives designed to attract more visitors, increase foot traffic, and encourage longer stays. These efforts are anticipated to directly support local businesses by boosting sales and increasing sales tax revenues for the City.

This role will also serve as a central liaison between stakeholders and city departments, ensuring that downtown remains a vibrant, well-maintained destination that stimulates economic activity and further investment. The initiative aims to support local businesses without overburdening voluntary staff, providing them with a reliable point of contact and support.

The City of Norfolk says they will invoice property owners within the BID, collect the funds, and then distribute them to the DNA. The city will retain 2% of the collected funds to cover administrative processes. This approach ensures that the funds are used in accordance with state statutes, specifically for the downtown manager's salary.

City officials are optimistic about the project's potential impact and plan to expedite the hiring process once funding is available.