2027 Work Plan

Here is a snapshot of our current goals organized by committee.

Committee Key

Organization Committee

Promotions Committee

Design Committee

Economic Vitality Committee

Organization Committee

Building the foundation for a strong, sustainable, and well-resourced organization.

Board recruitment. Fill officer seats, including President, and add two members, one with financial expertise.
In Progress
Board training and succession. Board orientation and an officer succession plan adopted, building on the bylaws approved in July 2026.
Planned
Diversify income. At least two new revenue streams beyond City support: membership, Hendry County support, sponsorships and merchandise.
Planned
Membership program. Downtown Supporters Program launched with marketing materials; 10 to 50 members enrolled.
In Progress
Daily food trucks. City adopts the food truck resolution; food trucks expand toward 7 days a week.
Planned
Grant readiness training. Remaining classes finished and certification earned.
In Progress
Office shop. Shop stocked with LDRC merchandise and open regular hours.
Planned
Volunteer pipeline. Pipeline launched with the high school and partners; insurance confirmed for volunteers under 18.
In Progress
Part-time hire. Funding secured and Downtown Programs & Office Assistant position filled.
Planned
District expansion planning. Draft expanded district map and at least two stakeholder meetings.
Planned

Telling LaBelle's story and building a strong, recognizable downtown identity.

Website. Build finished, accessibility review complete, new site launched.
In Progress
History on the website. Walking tour and Historical Collection highlights published on the new site.
Planned
Marketing plan and materials. Marketing plan and brand guide adopted; 3 to 4 pieces produced, such as a brochure, visitor map, rack cards and event templates.
Planned
Nights on Fort Thompson. Evening events with live music, vendors and a cornhole tournament, starting February 5 and March 5.
Planned
Fall Festival. Annual fall family event with the LaBelle Chamber's Trunk or Treat.
Planned
Smoke Under the Oaks. Signature barbecue festival, January 15-16, 2027 at Barron Park.
Planned
4th of July: Let Freedom Ring. Downtown Independence Day celebration on July 4, 2027.
Planned
Community flag. Flag presented at Smoke Under the Oaks (January 15-16), rotated among local businesses and groups, and returned on July 4.
In Progress
Downtown grand reopening. A fresh-start celebration that puts downtown businesses in the spotlight.
Planned
Historic society. Founding group formed, structure decided, collections policy adopted, first public meeting held.
Planned

Improving the appearance, usability, and visual identity of downtown public spaces.

Roots & Springs mural. Unveiling with the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation and a 5-year maintenance plan.
In Progress
Storytelling installations. One or two new installations like the Everett Hotel tinker box, and a shared look for historic signs.
In Progress
Office improvements. Office cleanup finished; furnishings and shelving installed.
Planned
Captain Hendry House. Management plan grant submitted, condition assessment in the spring, site activated to build funds, and rehabilitation grants pursued.
Planned
Wayfinding and Barron Park sign. Sign plan for downtown destinations and a new Barron Park sign installed.
Planned
Downtown clean-up day. One annual clean-up day.
Planned
Historic design guidelines. Guidelines for facades, signs and materials drafted, reviewed with the preservation board, and adopted by the City.
Planned

Supporting business retention, attraction, and reinvestment in downtown LaBelle.

Certified Local Government (CLG). City historic preservation board seated, application completed with the state, CLG designation received.
In Progress
Business redevelopment packages. Standard package ready to hand out, paired with the Downtown Welcome Kit.
Planned
Vacant building signage. Signs on vacant storefronts, starting with two or three willing owners.
Planned
Lee Street. Meetings with Lee Street owners and one activation on Lee Street.
In Progress
Tax incentives / downtown incentives. Application process set with the City, a one-page incentives guide, and the first application submitted.
Planned
Historic resources survey. State grant awarded and survey launched (earliest start mid-2027).
Planned
School house project. Bring the historic Upthegrove school building back into community use; approach the School Board and line up partners.
Planned
Explore a CRA for the City. Research a Community Redevelopment Agency, share findings with the City and Hendry County, and bring a recommendation to City Council.
Planned