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The proliferation of properties being marketed on Airbnb, VRBO, and other platforms has created concern in many municipalities. Critics say the short-term rentals disrupt neighborhood cohesiveness with constant turnover and occasional loud parties. Others point to rentals as contributing to rising real estate prices and a shortage of affordable housing. Traverse City, MI, recently banned…Continue reading
Downtown’s bold plan envisions sweeping changes — The city center in Kansas City, MO, has experienced “vast improvements” over the past two decades. A sweeping proposal calls for even more changes in the coming decade. The Downtown Council early this year released the Downtown KC 2030 Strategic Plan. Read an executive summary of Kansas City’s plan.
...City approves outdoor drinking zone — but only amid strong pushback — Downtowns nationwide have embraced outdoor consumption of alcohol. But in Wisconsin, the idea of designated outdoor refreshment areas, or DORAs, has met local resistance. In late June, Oshkosh, WI, approved a DORA, making it only the second downtown in the state to allow such a district. See Oshkosh’s ordinance. ...
Spring saw the launch of the Newton Summer Farmers’ Market in northern New Jersey. The market aims to bring consumers and farmers together and includes only foods grown, produced, or raised within 25 miles of the market. The market also supports local shopping. Unlike many markets which operate in a downtown park, plaza, or lot,…Continue reading
How downtowns are incorporating heat mitigation into their designs — In Tucson, AZ, summertime temperatures are hot — and getting hotter. In response, the city has begun requiring shade structures and other heat mitigation. See the full report on heat strategies.
...Community owned store marks milestone — Village Mercantile recently celebrated its 10th anniversary of continuous operation in the upstate New York town of Saranac Lake. To learn more read the archive article, “Community develops locally owned department store to meet needs.” ...
Downtown Denison, TX, hosts nearly 700 events a year, a brisk pace that generates a steady stream of activity. The hectic schedule has also forced downtown leaders to be mindful about how to pace the events so that they help rather than hinder downtown merchants. With so much happening in a small downtown, the challenge…Continue reading
In response to a spate of property crimes aimed at merchants, San Francisco city officials have launched a new grant program that aims to help small businesses recover from damage done to their storefronts by thieves and vandals. The Storefront Vandalism Relief Grant provides $1,000 to $2,000 to businesses that face the costs of break-ins…Continue reading
Toccoa, GA, boasts a thriving downtown and a bustling historic theater. It has even carved out a niche as a setting for filmmakers looking for an iconic courtroom and Main Street. Toccoa positions itself as "camera ready" and "film friendly," says Christian Hamilton, Toccoa’s main street manager. To make good on those promises, Toccoa doesn’t…Continue reading
Four lessons from a marginal neighborhood’s turnaround — In San Diego, CA, a decades-long experiment to revitalize a long-neglected community has made notable progress. To learn more, read the report Activating the Power of Place: A Case Study of Market Creek Plaza.
...Small downtown uses multi-pronged approach to drive turnaround — Toccoa, GA, boasts a thriving downtown and a bustling historic theater. It has even carved out a niche as a setting for filmmakers looking for an iconic courtroom and Main Street. For more information, read the Archive Article, “Insights into successful pedestrian malls.” ...
In downtown Napa, CA, wayfinding signs are fading and more than two decades old. “They have patched-over fonts, different colors, and incorrect information,” says Economic Development Manager Neal Harrison. “A good example of that is the visitor center moved from Main Street to First Street and the signage hasn’t moved with it.” Napa’s experience with…Continue reading
Many downtowns offer gift certificates or custom currency that can be redeemed with local eateries and merchants. The offerings are typically limited to a handful of locally owned cafés, restaurants, and gift shops. But in Thomasville, GA, Downtown Dollars are so widely used that a consumer might be able to survive on local currency alone.…Continue reading
After turnaround, long-empty space becomes hive of activity — For decades, a former furniture store and warehouse in downtown Swainsboro, GA, sat empty. Now it’s a thriving hub that’s home to an antique mall and a gallery featuring local artists. To find out more, see Lynn Brinson’s presentation, “Diamonds in the rough: Transforming underutilized spaces into downtown anchors.”
...Locating bike share stations in crowded city centers — When new bike share stations were installed in downtown West Palm Beach, FL, they were located directly on city sidewalks. It’s an option that’s feasible so long as certain guidelines are met. Read the National Association of City Transportation Officials’ guide to bike-share stations. ...
Connecting with public art — At the height of the pandemic when cabin fever had set in and people were weary of travel restrictions. Two European cities found a way to create safe and meaningful interactions. Digital portals were installed in public plazas in Vilnius, Lithuania and Lubln, Poland. Watch a video about the portals below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRvbxiCj79E ...
As the severity of COVID-19 fades, American life has begun to return to normal. Americans are going to restaurants, movies, concerts, and sporting events. They’re shopping and vacationing. But they aren’t going back to offices. To better understand downtown workers’ attitudes toward work and the city center, the Greater Des Moines Partnership commissioned a survey…Continue reading
