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Bringing Life to Small Downtown Spaces

March 28, 2024
New York’s Central Park and Chicago’s Grant Park are just two examples of large-scale green spaces that meet the needs of a wide-range of community members. But what to do if you have limited public space downtown, or limited funds? Small-scale pocket parks are one answer. These small parks provide a welcome respite and often…Continue reading

 

A New Holiday Tradition

March 21, 2024
To herald Christmas 2023, a museum in downtown Davenport, IA, transformed its facade into a giant Advent calendar. The museum reveals a new window each day in the lead-up to Christmas. The artwork in the windows was designed by students at the Davenport Creative Arts Academy. Similar giant Advent calendars have popped up in windows…Continue reading

 

Bid Proposal Meets Determined Resistance

March 7, 2024
The proposal to form a BID in Rochester, NY, has powerful backers. Supporters include the mayor, county executive, property owners, business leaders, and the Partnership for Downtown Rochester. In a November news conference, Rochester leaders called forming a BID a, "no-brainer." While that sounds straightforward enough, a group has formed to oppose the proposal. Its…Continue reading

 

Umbrella Sharing Encourages Visitors to Linger Longer Downtown

February 29, 2024
Both Vancouver, BC, and Vancouver, WA, are known for their wet weather. And both downtowns have unveiled umbrella share programs for visitors and residents who find themselves caught in the rain. In Vancouver, WA, Vancouver’s Downtown Association has operated the Umbrella Share Program for two years, says Michael Walker, the group’s executive director. The Umbrella…Continue reading

 

Downtown Addresses Negative Perceptions

February 22, 2024
Downtown Indy Inc. is working to turn the tide on negative perceptions about safety in the heart of Indianapolis, IN. In October, the organization launched a three-month paid marketing campaign featuring the offerings of downtown destinations, events, and merchants, including live music at the Indianapolis Zoo, walks along the canal, and craft beer at a…Continue reading

 

Downtown Right-Sizes Parking

February 15, 2024
In Wichita, KS, city officials are making big changes to the downtown parking system — increasing hourly rates and fines, reducing the amount of free parking, upgrading parking meters, and tightening up enforcement. Despite some push-back, Assistant City Manager Troy Anderson says that the changes are necessary for the overall health of the downtown. He…Continue reading

 

City Removes Public Benches

January 31, 2024
Michigan City, IN, used a simple solution to address challenges with its homeless population: The city removed downtown park benches from sidewalks and moved them into storage. Problem solved? Not exactly. While the tactic does encourage problem residents to move on, taking away public seating doesn’t address the underlying causes of homelessness. Still, for downtown…Continue reading

 

Businesses Support Each Other During Construction

January 18, 2024
A long awaited infrastructure project got underway in Kingman, AZ, in July. But the launch was not without concern for local business owners. The proposed improvements include updating the area for enhanced walkability and ADA compliance as well as the addition of extensive landscaping, wayfinding elements, street furniture, and other amenities. To minimize disruption, the…Continue reading