The DNTF is a group of nine Lewiston citizens who were appointed by the Mayor to create a master plan for the downtown residential community (See Map).

Why was the DNTF created?

The DNTF was created to engage citizens in the process of community and economic development as it addresses the needs, desires and challenges for Lewiston’s downtown residential community. More specifically, DNTF has been charged with creating a new “master plan” for the downtown neighborhood. This master plan will be designed to address overall residential quality of life in downtown Lewiston, including both the physical issues associated with downtown housing and the underlying socio-economic issues that are integral to the experience of downtown living. The DNTF surveys the physical landscape of the downtown residential neighborhood and solicits input from key stakeholder groups to better understand where Lewiston’s downtown neighborhood stands today and where it should go from here.

Who makes up the DNTF?

All DNTF members are residents of Lewiston who were appointed by the Mayor in April 2007. According to the rules governing the Task Force, both Empower Lewiston and the Visible Community may select one representative to the group and at least two members must reside within the downtown residential community.

What is the scope of our work?

As established by the Mayor and City Council, the DNTF is charged with the following tasks:

• To identify the current physical conditions of the study area

• Utilize asset mapping to determine what amenities exist within the selected study area and what elements are lacking

• Address overall residential quality of life (i.e. physical issues associated with housing and underlying socio-economic issues)

• Utilize the inventory of current features and conditions to recommend improvements/additions within the study area

• All recommendations should be accompanied by the rationale for the investment, a recommended funding source, and explanation of how the recommendation contributes to revitalizing the area.

How do we accomplish our task?

• Focus Groups- Meetings, stakeholder specific forums, presentations, etc.

• Surveying- General and specific questionnaires

• Key informant Interviews/Presentations- Residents, Organization reps

• Analyzing Existing Statistics- Other master plans, downtown studies, etc.

• Asset Mapping

Meetings/Committees

The full DNTF currently meets every other Wednesday at 6 PM in the Mayor’s Conference Room on the 1st Floor of Lewiston City Hall. (Dates, times, and location subject to change. Please contact DNTF staff to verify meeting dates/times/ locations). Meetings are open to the public and the DNTF strongly encourages citizen input.

DNTF currently features two committees, Outreach and Asset Mapping. These committees perform the bulk of the on-going work of the Task Force. Meetings of these committees are held on an as-needed basis. Please contact DNTF staff for more information on these committees.