Across the U.S., a small but growing number of cities is targeting a familiar symbol of suburban sprawl: the drive-through lane. Once considered a standard amenity for fast-food restaurants, banks, and pharmacies, drive-throughs are increasingly seen as obstacles to walkable downtowns, safer streets, and climate goals. In response, some municipalities now prohibit or limit new…Continue reading

 

Summit, NJ, is one of the many cities across North America grappling with the impact of e-bikes and scooters on downtown streets. While some cities are considering outright bans, others are looking to regulation to improve safety and reduce sidewalk and street congestion. These regulations typically include rules on speed limits, designated areas for riding,…Continue reading

 

Each week Downtown Digest brings you an article summary from Downtown Idea Exchange newsletter. This year, they’ve covered everything from business recruitment and retention, to streetscape improvements, to placemaking, and more. To wrap up 2025, we invite you to read any of the summaries you may have missed and to subscribe to Downtown Idea Exchange newsletter for 2026. Each month, you’ll…Continue reading

 

For nearly four decades, the Main Street Fort Worth Arts Festival has transformed downtown Fort Worth, TX, into an open-air cultural destination. The four-day celebration draws hundreds of thousands of visitors, blending art, food, and live entertainment across 18 city blocks. From its 38-year history, Downtown Fort Worth Inc. shares important lessons learned from a…Continue reading

 

In Hayward, CA, a grant program has been helping local restaurants go viral. Known as Hashtag Hayward, the program combines placemaking with content creation by social media pros. The program provided grants of up to $10,000 apiece to small businesses. The money was targeted primarily toward interior and exterior improvements that inspired customers to share…Continue reading

 

Since American Express launched Small Business Saturday in 2010, the campaign has grown to have a multi-billion-dollar annual impact on independent retailers nationwide. The event, celebrated on the first Saturday after Thanksgiving, provides an opportunity for downtown leaders to foster community engagement, and for independent businesses to shine. Small Business Saturday events typically feature festive…Continue reading