Ideas for the future of downtown Fort Dodge will be discussed today during the first of a pair of events that organizers describe as Main Street visioning sessions.

The first one will begin at 11:30 a.m. today in the offices of the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance, 24 N. Ninth St.

Terry Poe Buschkamp, a Main Street Iowa specialist, will discuss the promotion of the downtown, the creation of an identity for the downtown, and events to promote the district.

Then Tim Reinders, a Main Street Iowa design specialist, will speak about the look and feel of downtown Fort Dodge.

Beginning at 1 p.m. attendees will work on drafting a vision for the downtown area based on the ideas that were discussed.

The second session will begin at 11:30 a.m. Jan. 24 at the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance office.

Jim Thompson, a community development specialist with Main Street Iowa, will talk about the expansion and recruitment of downtown businesses. Also, Darlene Strachan, assistant state coordinator of Main Street Iowa, will talk about communication and fundraising.

Again at 1 p.m. there will be a time to work on drafting a vision for downtown Fort Dodge.

Lunch at both events will be be catered, with a charge of $8 per person.

RSVP to Kris Patrick at kris@mainstreetfd.org or 573-3172.