State consultants will be visiting the City of Stuart next week to assess its strengths and challenges for the downtown area.

The Stuart Enterprise for Economic Development and Stuart Economic Development Director Kristen Renslow are coordinating a “Downtown Walk Around Visit” with the Iowa Downtown Resource Center for Tuesday August 13th. The walk around is an on-site study of the downtown area, with a public presentation at the end of the visit and a written summary that will help the City in its planning efforts. SEED is also receiving two free registrations to the Iowa Downtown Resource Center’s annual conference, being held August 27-29 in Dubuque. The walk around schedule will consist of the assessment team meeting with local leaders from 9:30-10:15 a.m., a walk through downtown from 10:15-noon, and a public presentation in the City Hall Council Chambers from 2-3 p.m. Stuart residents are encouraged to attend.