Just a few months after Mishawaka, IN, enacted a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA), the city council voted in December to expand the boundaries of the drinking zone. Downtown Idea Exchange newsletter reports that Mishawaka’s experience with public drinking mirrors that of other cities across the nation. First, state lawmakers, seeking to help downtowns recover from…Continue reading
Cities across the country have cracked down on disruptive electric scooter programs. Now Columbus, OH, is reining in its chaotic fleet. Downtown Idea Exchange newsletter reports that Columbus’ pool of bike and scooter rental services will be replaced next spring by a single vendor. Veo, the new provider, operates a variety of traditional bicycles and e-bikes,…Continue reading
In September, the Downers Grove [IL] Downtown Management Corp. hosted its annual women’s shopping event. Like similar events, the goal is a fun-filled shopping experience especially for women. But, as Downtown Idea Exchange newsletter reports, it’s also a fund raiser for local Parent Teacher Associations. Downtown shops and restaurants offer special giveaways, discounts, and demonstrations for the…Continue reading
As record temperatures gripped the nation this summer, downtown leaders looked to increase shade by expanding the tree canopy. But shade is just one of many benefits of trees, says Chelsea Craig chair of the Morenci, MI, Downtown Development Authority. By creating a green and vibrant environment, the DDA aims to increase foot traffic, attract…Continue reading
When it comes to the relationship between downtown streetscapes and a city’s economic vitality, state officials in Michigan are using the same playbook as urban placemakers. In October, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity announced it would direct $1.37 million in grants to Lansing, MI, for the Talent Investment Pilot Project. At first…Continue reading
Downtowns have experienced a dramatic renaissance in recent years. But many still struggle with unused and underused spaces, ranging from abandoned manufacturing facilities to obsolete warehouses to vacant lots. Filling in the gaps isn’t easy. In fact, downtown leaders often need to figure out ways to encourage developers to invest in infill projects. The November…Continue reading
During the pandemic, Seattle’s downtown leaders fretted that media coverage about the district often focused on closed businesses, empty streets, and other reflections of a lagging recovery. The Downtown Seattle Association decided to push back by taking matters into its own hands with a downtown podcast. The twice-monthly Seattle City Makers Podcast presents a conversational…Continue reading
In Macon, GA, the Hype Team is promoting the downtown and welcoming visitors. The team is made up of 60 volunteers who sport orange T-shirts and serve as downtown ambassadors. They provide information to visitors, build relationships with merchants, and promote downtown Macon on their personal social media accounts. An article in the November issue…Continue reading
Community-directed funding is making a difference for small businesses in downtown Wheeling, WV. The premise is simple: Community members are presented with projects that would positively impact the city and vote for the project they want to support. Over the past 10 years Show of Hands has contributed over $100,000 to small businesses including $10,000…Continue reading
