Twin Falls, ID — The City of Twin Falls was one of four communities selected by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) to receive technical assistance in developing small-scale manufacturing for downtown revitalization. The assistance will be provided at no cost to the city through Smart Growth America, which is a national program focused on creating economic opportunities through small business development.
Twin Falls – the smallest and most remote of the four communities selected – was recognized as for seeking uses for its underutilized warehousing district and working with other downtown redevelopment initiatives to build economic security and diversity.
“Small-scale manufacturing, which generally includes entrepreneurial, specialized, and boutique-style manufacturing operations, has emerged as a new tool for economic development in urban areas,” said Nathan Murray, City of Twin Falls Economic Development Director. “Smart Growth America’s new technical assistance program helps cities such as Twin Falls integrate small-scale manufacturing spaces into urban redevelopment efforts.”
Cities that previously relied on large-scale manufacturing to sustain local economies are now diversifying to recognize specialized skills and industries that are unique to their communities, according to the EDA. Fifty-nine organizations, which include municipal government, non-profit, as well as regional- and state-level organizations, in 28 states applied for the program. According to the EDA, all the organizations had a strong understanding of economic development and urban revitalization.
Buoyed by a strong agriculture and food processing industry, the City of Twin Falls seeks to find uses for its underutilized warehousing district in unison with other downtown redevelopment initiatives. The city is seeking to diversify its economic base with a focus on outdoor recreation products given their location and beautiful surroundings. In addition, the city is working toward workforce training that improves wages for its diverse community.
Smart Growth America was founded in 2000 to help states and local governments use a smart growth approach. Their technical assistance work includes workshops on downtown revitalization and revitalization without displacement.
