Holiday activities transform commercial districts into vibrant destinations, encouraging residents to shop, dine, and spend locally. Some of the most important elements in a holiday celebration are festive decorations, enticing shop windows, and a wide range of unique and tempting gifts. To fill vacant storefronts and add to the range of holiday shopping, many downtowns…Continue reading
Eleven major cities in the United States are hosting FIFA World Cup matches during June and July, and downtown leaders are taking advantage of the excitement from both locals and waves of free-spending visitors. Eight matches are scheduled to be contested at MetLife Stadium in Newark, NJ, where the Newark Downtown Alliance is promoting more…Continue reading
One of the largest cities in the world is focusing on small businesses. New York City created the position of Mom and Pop Czar in April. The goal is to help small businesses navigate city government and get the support they need not only to stay open, but also to grow. "Mom-and-pop businesses give every…Continue reading
Self-guided tours can be a powerful, low-cost, and long-lasting way to get more feet on the street downtown. From food trails to art walks, they encourage exploration, support local businesses, and help visitors and residents see the city center in a new way. Digital passports, stamp cards, or app-based check-ins turn these trails into fun…Continue reading
In April 2024, the economic development department in Surprise, AZ, put out a spoof video calling for Whole Foods Market to open a location in the city. Surprise’s lighthearted video imagined a kale shortage in the Phoenix suburb. Featuring an appearance by the mayor and fake news coverage, the spoof used humor to create buzz while pitching…Continue reading
In suburbs around the country, data centers have become a point of contention. But for downtown leaders struggling to fill empty buildings, they could provide a welcome source of new tenants and a boost in property values. Downtown data centers are much smaller than centers being pitched or built in the suburbs. But they command…Continue reading
