Downtown Idea Exchange

Each month downtown leaders turn to Downtown Idea Exchange for practical news reports, how-to information, and hundreds of real-world examples of how downtowns are growing and prospering.

 


Downtowns use CPTED to reduce vandalism and crime

September 1, 2025
In most downtowns, crime prevention efforts focus on such things as a visible police presence, private security patrols, and graffiti clean-up crews. But a number of cities are turning to a solution known as crime prevention through environmental design, or CPTED. In contrast to traditional hardening measures, CPTED focuses instead on visually pleasing solutions that…To read more — login/subscribe

 

Code revamp seeks to increase residential density, improve curb appeal

September 1, 2025
Gunnison, CO (est. pop. 6,821), is taking steps to increase housing density by allowing more accessory dwelling units and removing residential lot size requirements. During a series of public open houses, the small city heard residents who were eager for such alternative development styles as accessory dwelling units, apartments for seniors, clustered cottages, mobile home…To read more — login/subscribe

 

Low-budget farmers market reaps big rewards 

September 1, 2025
Since 2023, Maryville, MO (est. pop. 10,556), has used a Saturday morning farmer’s market to boost downtown vibrancy and support local entrepreneurs. “Past attempts to organize a farmers market struggled with location, engagement, and long-term vision. Downtown had a low vacancy rate but needed to generate more foot traffic,” DeAnn Davison, executive director of Downtown…To read more — login/subscribe

 

Night markets keep the city center alive after dark

September 1, 2025
Night markets are coming alive after dusk in cities across North America. These bustling open-air markets originated in Asia, where they became a fundamental part of urban nightlife. Today, they are expanding to North America particularly in cities with diverse immigrant populations. These new night markets showcase everything from global cuisine and local crafts to…To read more — login/subscribe

 

Grants can be hard work, but they’re worth it

September 1, 2025
Downtown organizations of all types are successfully supporting their work with grants from federal, state, and local agencies, as well as corporate, private, family, and community foundations. A 2010 survey of Downtown Idea Exchange readers found that 30 percent of respondents took advantage of government grants, while another 23 percent took advantage of foundation or…To read more — login/subscribe

 

Idea Exchange

September 1, 2025
Scavenger hunt blends old and new Photo scavenger hunts exploded in popularity during the Covid-19 pandemic. The hunts provided a reason to go downtown, explore, and discover while safely distancing outdoors. But photo scavenger hunts were a downtown marketing staple long before lock-downs began.  For example, in the early teens, history buffs and downtown fans…To read more — login/subscribe

 

Downtown Idea Exchange, September 2025

September 1, 2025
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