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.

 


Last-mile delivery program takes big trucks off cramped streets

August 2, 2026
In downtown Breckenridge, CO (est. pop. 4,959), the streets are narrow, the snowfall is plentiful, and the bars and restaurants are bustling. All of that leads to a not-so-great-outcome when it comes to downtown walkability—during ski season, delivery trucks and pedestrians compete for space on icy streets and sidewalks. What’s more, delivery drivers must contend…To read more — login/subscribe

 

After four years of debate, downtown finally approves social district

August 2, 2026
In many cities, public drinking areas have been approved quickly and with little debate. In Waynesville, NC (est. pop. 10,502), the effort took years. During the pandemic, North Carolina joined the wave of states that embraced outdoor drinking as a way to bring people back to struggling downtowns. In 2021, the state allowed cities to…To read more — login/subscribe

 

Lessons from Austin’s high-profile struggle with homelessness

August 2, 2026
In 2019, Austin, TX (est. pop. 993,771), passed an ordinance decriminalizing homelessness. The move sparked a political firestorm. Austin’s new regulation inspired an advocate to distribute bright orange tents to the city’s homeless population, and seemingly overnight, unhoused people were camping out in full view. Everyone from Austin residents to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott wanted…To read more — login/subscribe

 

Volunteers take on many roles downtown

August 2, 2026
Volunteers are an essential part of every downtown organization. They offer essential insight, credibility, and capacity. However finding great volunteers, creating meaningful work, and keeping them on board can be a challenge. Despite the obstacles, well trained and managed volunteers can contribute to everything from committee work, to staffing a "Facade Squad" to connect property…To read more — login/subscribe

 

Idea Exchange

August 2, 2026
Downtown replaces signals with all-way stop signs Downtown Louisville, KY, is replacing some stop lights with stop signs in an effort to make downtown safer and more attractive. The move is part of a larger plan which will also include: reverting one-way streets to two-way, removing excess lanes, and adding parking and bike lanes. The…To read more — login/subscribe

 

Downtown group devotes large loan to office-to-residential plan

July 1, 2026
The Downtown Denver Development Authority is making a big bet on an ambitious plan to turn vacant office buildings into bustling residential towers. In March, the quasi-governmental entity approved a $63 million loan for transforming two downtown properties into apartments. It's the largest loan ever issued by the Denver Downtown Development Authority. The DDA is taking…To read more — login/subscribe