By Andrew Lwowski | Fountain Hills Times Independent (abridged)
After the Fountain Hills Town Council updated its downtown vision in 2023 and approved a new strategy aimed at the Avenue of the Fountains in 2024, the council received a “high level” breakdown of the progress.
“We are business friendly, we are open for business, and we did not shelf our downtown strategy,” Town Economic Development Director Amanda Jacobs said.
She credited team efforts with community services, development services and public works among other town departments. In August, the town added Sophia Renk to the economic department.
The strategy created in 2024 includes four focus areas (one is shared below).
Land use
Land use is highlighted by the downtown overlay district, which was approved in May and aims to improve use and activity within the Avenue district by promoting first floor uses for restaurants, retail and entertainment. Ordinances were also amended to allow for dwelling units by right. Jacobs also highlighted the facade improvement program, which was launched in April and grants businesses a matching $10,000 for exterior improvements. She added four businesses have submitted applications.
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