While agriculture is a major focus of this federal agency, one whole branch is devoted to programs in towns and cities of less than 50,000 residents. USDA Rural Development is the agency that serves America’s rural communities. The programs are uniform throughout the U.S. with state directors across the country overseeing programs. One area of…To read more — login/subscribe
Bollards: Improving function with art When the city of Midland installed safety bollards along the main street, it discovered a problem: The bollards were not visible enough to drivers. Downtown Midland BIA Board Chair Nicole French tells Midland Today that, “We’ve heard from business owners and visitors alike that the original metal parking bollards installed…To read more — login/subscribe
High security portable bollards from Delta Scientific. Following a New Year’s Day terror attack in New Orleans, Mobile, AL (est. pop. 182,594), is bolstering safety measures in advance of its annual Mardi Gras celebration in March. Last year’s Mardi Gras festivities drew more than 200,000 people to downtown Mobile. In January, the Mobile City Council…To read more — login/subscribe
After years of running annual workforce recruitment campaigns, the Sioux Falls Development Foundation, in Sioux Falls, SD (est. pop. 206,410), is trying something new. In late 2023, the foundation launched the Wish You Were Here campaign, which aims to attract Sioux Falls natives who have moved to other parts of the country. Campaign themes promote…To read more — login/subscribe
In Wichita, KS (est. pop. 396,123), the City Council has approved spending more than $660,000 to install outdoor restrooms in two downtown parks. But council members were split on the wisdom of the investment. The measure passed by just 4-3. The facilities will be manufactured by Portland Loo, the company in Portland, OR, that aims…To read more — login/subscribe
In 2025, California’s new “daylighting” law took effect. A measure designed to improve pedestrian safety, the restrictions prevent cars from parking near crosswalks. The idea is that with fewer vehicles blocking the line of sight between motorists and pedestrians, fewer walkers would be struck by vehicles. However, in 2024 the parking law’s first year, cities…To read more — login/subscribe
Cities such as Lawrence, KS, Salt Lake City, UT, and Fort Wayne, IN, host annual busker festivals that draw big crowds. Others bring in buskers to enliven special events and activities such as farmers markets or during construction. Still others have buskers as a permanent, visible part of the downtown culture. The ongoing use of…To read more — login/subscribe
Since 2017 AARP (formerly the American Association of Retired Persons) has distributed millions of dollars through its AARP Community Challenge grant program. The 2024 grantees included an alley transformation project in Vallejo, CA, accessibility improvements to a crosswalk in downtown Torrington CT, the addition of wheelchair-accessible picnic tables to parks in downtown Angola, IN, creation…To read more — login/subscribe
