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

 

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