Oakland
Maine

The following action items are required in order to successfully implement the recommended downtown design and business improvements.

• First, work to secure funding for infrastructure and roadway improvements. As noted previously, this plan should be a helpful tool in seeking State and Federal funding, particularly for the "bigger" and longer term projects.
  
  Also, begin negotiations or a dialogue to gain control of the desired property(ies) for the proposed municipal parking, Town Common and walking park.
  
  
• Second, organization and day to day management are critical in to keep the plan moving forward from both a quantitative perspective, such as completing project(s) and from a qualitative perspective, such as keeping the interest and commitment levels high and initiating downtown events.
  
  As such, establishing a day to day management entity, such as the Recreation Department, and forming a marketing cooperative among property owners are recommended actions, as is formulating a marketing strategy.
  
  
• Third, the Town should consider establishing a challenge grant funds, perhaps $50,000, utilizing a portion of its general fund and possible CDBG allocations. This challenge grant will be instrumental to assist local property owners and businesses in realizing their redevelopment, facade and other property improvement desires.
  
  Assuming that some matching funds (such as the challenge grant) can be secured, start work on a small project or two (likely to be individual properties) to communicate the commitment from the Town and the residents to achieving a "new" downtown commercial district.
  
  
• Fourth, begin marketing the "downtown" as streetscape and other improvements are beginning to be realized.
  
  
• Fifth, plan and coordinate any infrastructure and streetscape enhancement to coincide with development of the desired park, if possible. This could include the need for further engineering, traffic and DPW studies.

These action items are summarized in the following table.