The Live it Up Wausau program in Wausau, WI, seeks to attract employees to the area and give them reasons to stay. "This fits under a broad heading of employee-assisted housing or economic development homesteading," says Christian Schock, the city’s director of planning, community, and economic development. "These are programs that help employees become more…Continue reading
Since 2011, the town of Flower Mound, TX, has conducted a Retail & Restaurant Survey every other year. The results are used to ensure that residents have input into the type of downtown they want, recruit new businesses, explore consumer leakage, and educate the public about why certain retail and restaurant wishes are not realistic.…Continue reading
Because little people usually require big people to drive them, supervise them, and pay their way, children’s events are a popular way to bring families downtown. Cities nationwide are adding an array of children’s programming to downtown calendars in an effort to attract those families. Some efforts include folding children’s activities into existing events, while…Continue reading
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 McElroy, RDA’s program manager.…Continue reading
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 "winter harbors," areas where…Continue reading
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 Capital Improvement Program allocated funding…Continue reading
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 for new users. While many…Continue reading
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 St. Augustine (FL) Distillery…Continue reading
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 technology," says Gillian Moritz,…Continue reading
The Full Forward Business Competition in Florence, SC, is attracting successful business owners to open a second location or a new venture in the city’s downtown. The contest, which launched in May, was publicized heavily via social media, along with mailings to business owners statewide. One winning entry received $20,000 in cash for expenses related…Continue reading
