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

 

A 1905 building in downtown Ripon, WI, was set to be torn down and replaced with a surface parking lot. The historic space had been empty for years, and the building was problematic because of a mold infestation and structural issues. Instead of adding parking, the City of Ripon, the local Main Street program, and…Continue reading

 

In April, the Flatiron NoMad Partnership in New York City notified BID members of an upcoming film shoot in the district. The BID has been the site of several movie and TV productions in recent years. Filming a movie downtown can bring significant economic, cultural, and promotional benefits, often injecting substantial revenue into local businesses…Continue reading

 

Lighter, Quicker, Cheaper (LQC) placemaking projects are low-cost, short-term, and often temporary installations that can quickly improve a space before investing in permanent solutions. The term, coined over 40 years ago, continues to influence downtown development with projects ranging from quick low-cost approaches to pedestrian safety to creating green gathering spaces when and where they…Continue reading