The January issue of Downtown Idea Exchange looks ahead to some of the challenges and opportunities that face downtown leaders in 2015. One of many important trends is an influx of millennials and baby boomers seeking urban living. This group is creating the most demand for downtown housing, as well as specific types of amenities,…Continue reading
The January issue takes a look back at marketing and attraction activities that will set the direction for the year to come. One of many trends is an increase in alcohol-friendly downtown events and activities. An increasing interest in wine and locally brewed beer is bringing success to brew festivals, pub crawls, wine walks, and…Continue reading
With the downtown an economically stable commercial center, but, “totally dull,” the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership in Pittsburgh, PA, created a new grant program in 2007 to encourage restaurateurs to bring new vitality to city streets by moving their restaurants outdoors. The program offers a 50-percent matching grant of up to $30,000 ($60,000 for corner properties).…Continue reading
Hosting one of the popular themed runs (zombies, color, Santa, etc.) draws a different crowd than a typical run, and must be organized and marketed differently. The theme is a successful gimmick to attract participants, says Bryan Ganek of Adrenaline Sports Management. “It’s a race, yes, but we are creating an atmosphere of fun, that…Continue reading
A downtown theater provides not only entertainment, but a venue for other events that attract people downtown, and cross-promotional opportunities with nearby synergetic businesses such as restaurants, bars, book stores, and arts-based retail. The Great Recession of 2008 left many small downtown theaters struggling financially. On the heels of that, theater owners must now finance…Continue reading
In the December issue of Downtown Idea Exchange, guest columnist John Karras shares 12 strategies that can transform virtually any downtown into a more vibrant place. The list includes structural changes, like street reconfiguration (Turn one-way streets into two-way streets), short-term steps (Establish a regularly occurring public event), and management approaches (Consolidate regional economic development…Continue reading
The pre-holiday “Shop Local” message is being refined in numerous ways in an effort to reach more potential customers for downtown’s businesses. Nearly every community endeavors to educate consumers about the economic benefits of shopping locally — some take a logical, numbers-based approach while others tug at the heart strings. Most tie into the national…Continue reading
To draw the community into an ongoing conversation, the city of Hagerstown, MD, launched its engageHagerstown website. The city posts questions and moderates discussions about important topics that will shape the future of the downtown. The inaugural question was: “What’s your big idea for downtown?” That first question generated “a ton of feedback,” says Sarah…Continue reading
Over the past four years, the Norwalk Parking Authority in Norwalk, CT, has transformed negative public perceptions about parking while also improving the motorist experience and increasing revenues. Rebranding the parking system, lighthearted promotions, and art in parking garages all helped to spread the word about the ease of downtown parking. A “Mr. Smiley” parking…Continue reading
As Americans become more focused on fitness and the environment, commuters, as well as recreationalists, are learning the value of pedal power. As a result, projects to boost bike-centric amenities in city centers are flourishing. This month Downtown Idea Exchange newsletter looks at bike share programs, making way for bikes on city-center streets, and facilities for…Continue reading
