Downtown Digest News • Web Extras
In Philadelphia, downtown leaders are trying to coax workers out of their home offices and back into their formal workplaces. They’re setting up activities in building lobbies and assuring commuters that it’s safe to return. In Arlington, VA, a business improvement district is courting workers with water bottles, exercise mats, happy hours, and a more…Continue reading
A2AC Murals brings large, vibrant works of art to the public in Ann Arbor and South East Michigan. The program is run by the Ann Arbor Art Center and funded through Patronicity and a matching grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. The center encourages people to get out and get involved with the public…Continue reading
In the 20th century, many cities tried to contain creeks, streams, and small rivers with concrete culverts and other engineering projects. In the 21st century, growing numbers of waterways are being set free. Restoring waterways to something like their natural order is a process known as "daylighting." The restoration projects are gaining attention globally and…Continue reading
Advocates for pedestrian safety are pushing for a simple fix that promises to make crosswalks safer for those traversing streets on foot: Forbid motorists from turning right on red lights. To advocates, the safety rationale is straightforward: At a typical intersection, a motorist who plans to turn the vehicle right must pull into the crosswalk,…Continue reading
The Downtown Memphis Commission has been taking advantage of a state law aimed at fighting blight. The downtown organization makes occasional but aggressive use of the law, using it as a way to force owners of properties that are dangerous eye-sores to take action. In one success story, the Downtown Memphis Commission used the Neighborhood…Continue reading
Every downtown worth its salt has commissioned a public mural. Those with ambitious arts programming might have asphalt art, sculpture walks, or even hire buskers to perform downtown. But poetry rarely takes center stage. However, Storrs, CT, builds a month of activities around the often over-looked discipline. The Mansfield Downtown Partnership recently wrapped up its…Continue reading
When the tobacco industry left Danville, VA, decades ago, it left the downtown with massive inventory of vacant space. There was no easy solution, Danville lacked the population and wealth to attract national retailers. The city also lacked a core of local merchants. "There was a lot of infrastructure, but really not a robust business…Continue reading
The city of Auburn, ME, wants to support small local grocery stores — and it’s using $150,000 in American Rescue Plan funding to make that goal a reality. The Auburn Neighborhood Corner Store program aims to give $35,000 apiece to each of four local grocers. To be eligible, stores must generate at least half their…Continue reading
Albuquerque, NM, is trying a novel approach to quelling crime in a problematic area downtown: It’s bringing in food trucks. Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller has labeled two parking lots on Central Avenue as "drivers of crime." To address the issues there, the city plans a "food truck corral" that will operate on Friday and Saturday…Continue reading
Boston recently joined a growing number of cities that have made nighttime management a priority. Boston hired its first nightlife economy director, making the position part of the mayor's cabinet. In most cities, the position — often called night mayor — aims to rein in rowdy nightlife. In Boston, the challenge is to liven things…Continue reading
Bike libraries — a concept that lets people check out bicycles like books or DVDs — are popping up across the country. Some programs offer access to e-bikes, but most focus on traditional pedal-powered bikes. Some initiatives are associated with universities, others with public libraries. But all put bike share programs within reach of more…Continue reading
Louisville, KY, will use public art to improve pedestrian safety at four downtown intersections. Louisville’s new Community Crosswalks program was inspired by the Asphalt Art Safety Study. The study by Bloomberg Philanthropies found that after asphalt art was installed, intersections experienced a 50 percent drop in crashes involving pedestrians or cyclists and a 37 percent reduction in crashes leading…Continue reading
