As record temperatures gripped the nation this summer, downtown leaders looked to increase shade, reduce stormwater runoff, and improve air quality by expanding the tree canopy. But there are additional benefits, says Chelsea Craig chair of the Morenci, MI, Downtown Development Authority. By creating a green and vibrant environment, the DDA aims to increase foot…To read more — login/subscribe
Community foundations play a key role in identifying and solving local problems. They are grantmaking public charities that are dedicated to improving conditions in a defined geographic area. They bring together the financial resources of individuals, families, and businesses to support effective nonprofits in their communities. When the goals of downtown organizations and foundations align,…To read more — login/subscribe
New LED streetlight program The city of Ann Arbor, MI, is embarking on an ambitious LED streetlight program aimed at reducing lighting costs and greenhouse gas emissions. The initiative, which has already shown promising results, is significantly supported by the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority (DDA). The program began with a successful pilot project which…To read more — login/subscribe
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: Downtown leaders created their own podcast. The twice-monthly Seattle City Makers Podcast presents…To read more — login/subscribe
e-bikes, scooters, and more share bike lanes. Bike lanes aren’t just for bikes any more, a reality that’s creating congestion for now — but the conflict could spur a reshaping of downtown streetscapes. “The bike lane is set to become a very crowded place,” Dan Piatkowski wrote in a recent column for US News and…To read more — login/subscribe
Boston’s Spite House 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…To read more — login/subscribe
A proposed federal law would encourage development on vacant properties in the nation’s downtowns. While the measure has bipartisan sponsorship and industry support, it hasn’t been fast-tracked by a deeply divided Congress in a presidential election year. The Revitalizing Downtowns and Main Streets Act would: • Create a 20 percent tax credit for expenses incurred…To read more — login/subscribe
Newark Avenue Pedestrian Plaza. A pedestrian plaza in Jersey City, NJ (est. pop. 286,661), has been racking up awards for placemaking. Jersey City’s Newark Avenue Pedestrian Plaza won Downtown New Jersey’s award for Built Project Excellence for a Transformational Initiative. The $7 million initiative also won Municipal Project of the Year from the New Jersey…To read more — login/subscribe
Downtowns from Seattle to Paris, TX, have been experimenting with back-in parking as a way to improve safety. In Fort Collins, CO (est. pop. 169,248), the city has been encouraging the practice in parts of downtown since 2020. When Fort Collins debuted back-in angle parking, it touted the benefits over traditional parallel parking and front-in…To read more — login/subscribe
