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.

 


Downtown adds rules that punish owners of vacant storefronts

July 1, 2025
Since 2021, the former home of Joe’s Pizza in downtown Santa Cruz, CA (est. pop. 60,953), has been empty. Wrinkled brown paper covers windows splotched with graffiti. A block away is another storefront that has stood vacant even longer, since 2018. Passersby see tattered red awnings and dirty windows.  In response to such ongoing eyesores,…To read more — login/subscribe

 

In fight against garbage and litter, cities embrace a variety of strategies

July 1, 2025
TRAC garbage bins are located in converted parking spaces.  In Raleigh, NC (est. pop. 482,425), the city is installing a new generation of garbage bins. Evanston, IL (est. pop. 75,073), is also upgrading its trash receptacles. New York City, meanwhile, is cajoling litterbugs to stop dropping trash on city streets. Downtown Raleigh, has introduced trash,…To read more — login/subscribe

 

Downtowns face ‘creative destruction,’ leader says

July 1, 2025
Downtowns have recovered strongly from the pandemic, and downtown leaders need to rethink how they approach their roles, a top leader says. “It’s a moment of creative destruction in cities,” says Kris Larson, chairman of the International Downtown Association and president and chief executive officer at Central Houston Inc. The shock brought by the pandemic…To read more — login/subscribe

 

Interactive art draws crowds

July 1, 2025
An inflatable interactive sculpture drew the curious and the fun-loving to Norfolk, VA’s, Town Point Park. The sculpture was provided by UK-based Architects of Air. The company offers six different sculptures, which combine light, color, music, and an opportunity to explore. Town Point selected Arboria, which has been replaced with Arborialis. Fully assembled the sculpture…To read more — login/subscribe

 

Idea Exchange

July 1, 2025
Wayfinding program expands The Downtown Albany Business Improvement District updated and expanded its wayfinding program in May. The new signage includes pedestrian kiosks, vehicle guides, and parking “trailblazers.” The new signage replaces older signs that no longer meet Department of Transportation standards and were nearing the end of their useful life.  The BID said in…To read more — login/subscribe