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
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
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 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
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
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
In late November, the Holiday Kids Market is in full swing in downtown Iowa City, IA. The market is stocked with modestly priced gifts from downtown businesses and shopping is supervised by Santa’s helpers. Parents provide a list of everyone to shop for and a budget. Then they wait while kids have the opportunity to…Continue reading
