Amid a nationwide increase in homelessness and addiction, many downtowns are struggling to present an image of cleanliness and safety. Meanwhile, some cities have been unable to fill open positions on their police forces. To meet a growing need, downtown leaders are increasingly turning to private security firms. For many cities, private security is a…Continue reading
The 2024 Main Street Trends Survey from Main Street America offers insights into the budgets, salaries, and issues that Main Street programs are facing. When asked to identify their biggest challenges, executive directors came up with a three-way tie: Not enough variety of businesses, poorly maintained buildings, and inconsistent store hours were each cited by 31 percent…Continue reading
The Hollywood Partnership is about to open the famed neighborhood’s first public restroom. The facility is going into an empty space in a building owned by the city Department of Transportation. Hollywood’s restroom project is ambitious in its size and goals. "This first-of-its-kind restroom facility in the heart of Hollywood aims to serve as a…Continue reading
Traveling to a destination specifically for its food and beverages is on the rise. In 2019, the global culinary tourism market was valued at $1.1 billion and it's projected to grow to more than $1.79 billion by 2027, according to Culinary Tourism Market 2020. The most popular form of culinary tourism is food festivals, followed…Continue reading
Somerset, KY, unveiled a new wayfinding system that features directional and informational signs throughout downtown streets. The signs carry the city’s brand and logo, and their role is both practical and less obvious revealing connections, highlighting diversity, and demonstrating community pride. The network was launched in Somerset’s downtown core with plans to expand to other…Continue reading
The Hollywood Partnership is a business improvement district that provides a variety of services to businesses along the famous Hollywood Boulevard. But not every member wants the same services. In 2022 the BID created the Hollywood Partnership Community Trust, a nonprofit that hosts events and provides enhanced services to those willing to pay for them.…Continue reading
To overcome negative perceptions about safety, and bring more people to the city center, Downtown Santa Monica embarked on a series of creative, small-scale events. The goal is to attract visitors and create welcoming images which can be shared via the local press and social media. Ariana Gomez, director of marketing and partnerships at Downtown…Continue reading
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
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
Downtown Louisville, KY, is struggling with a familiar problem — work-from-home trends mean fewer workers are commuting to offices. To fight back, the city has unveiled a new incentive program to entice large office users to relocate or expand in the district. The Downtown Tenant Improvement Program aims to bring in office users by dangling…Continue reading
