April 12, 2018 — The Rochester Downtown Alliance (RDA) has offered its Start-Up Grant program since 2013 to encourage first-time events in Rochester, MN. Initially, the program offered up to $1,000 to applicants hosting first-time events downtown. "Five years later, the RDA is now able to offer up to $3,000 for approved events," says Karli…To read more — login/sign up

 

March 29, 2018 — The city of Houghton, MI, is determined to meet two goals each winter: keeping walkways clear and comfortable, and creating as many fun, outdoor events as possible. "We try to keep things walkable for folks," says City Manager Eric Waara. And, in addition to plowing the streets, the city provides outdoor…To read more — login/sign up

 

March 15, 2018 —   The two-block retail corridor in downtown Kirkland, WA, has been redeveloped as an award winning American "woonerf," a Dutch word that translates loosely as "living street." The plaza-like lane is now a pedestrian-friendly gathering space, while remaining open to vehicles, as well. The transformation did not happen overnight. The 2008-2013…To read more — login/sign up

 

  March 2, 2018 — White Box programs are proving effective at driving redevelopment in city centers and getting hard to fill spaces rented. The programs typically help fund improvements to heating/cooling systems, lighting, electrical systems, bathrooms, and finished (but not yet painted) ceilings and floors. Improvements that are meant to make older buildings habitable…To read more — login/sign up

 

February 16, 2018 — Tasting rooms and events featuring local wineries and craft breweries have proved popular downtown. Now cities are finding distilleries are equally suited to the city center. The February issue of Downtown Idea Exchange newsletter highlights three distilleries that are contributing to historic preservation and attracting visitors and locals alike. In one example, the…To read more — login/sign up

 

February 1, 2018 — A dedicated downtown app for Apple and Android smartphones is helping consumers find new destinations and parking in Millburn, NJ, and allowing merchants to attract new customers. Users can browse by category, such as "Fine Dining," or search by keywords to find products, services, and special offers. The app has "beacon…To read more — login/sign up