Albert Lea city officials are looking for residents interested in contributing ideas about the design of the downtown.

The residents will be part of a steering committee that will work with city staff and the engineering firm Bolton & Menk for the reconstruction of Broadway Avenue.

The work calls for a full reconstruction of Broadway Avenue from Fountain Street to Main Street and an anticipated overlay of Broadway Avenue from Main Street to the Canadian Pacific Railroad under a Minnesota Department of Transportation project in 2015.

The concrete road and underground utilities are almost 80 years old and in need of replacement.

When the road is reconstructed, city officials have also discussed narrowing the street width, increasing the sidewalk width, updating street lighting and landscaping, among other improvements.

That’s where the steering committee comes into play.

Officials are seeking help from other residents to come up with a design plan that will reinforce local character, provide for planned gatherings and give a sense of identity to the community for the next 50 years, according to a news release.

Anyone interested in serving on the committee should fill out an application and return it to the city manager’s office by March 23. Members will be appointed by Mayor Vern Rasmussen at the March 26 Albert Lea City Council meeting.

The first of about four meetings of the committee is slated for March 29. There will also be meetings open to the public as a whole.

Applications are available at the city manager’s office at City Hall or online at www.cityofalbertlea.org/city-council/advisory-board-applications.

For more information, The city manager’s office can be reached at 377-4330.