Temporary gathering space becomes permanent The North Mulberry Street Plaza in Fruita, CA, has received a top award from the state’s downtown association. The plaza was born during the pandemic, when a section of the street was temporarily transformed into outdoor seating. The temporary space proved so popular that the city moved to make it…To read more — login/subscribe
Gateway sign in Hapeville, GA. In Holly, MI (est. pop. 5,971), a grant was used to replace trees destroyed in a fire. In Columbia, TN (est. pop. 43,971), grant funds were used for streetscape improvements. In Pontiac, MI (est. pop. 61,689), a grant will support creation of a garden-shed retail village. In Bowling Green, KY…To read more — login/subscribe
Four years after Toledo, OH (est. pop. 265,306), launched a program to attract businesses to blighted buildings, the initiative is still going strong. Since Toledo unveiled its Vibrancy Initiative in 2021, the programs have leveraged more than $109 million of private sector investment, assisted 30 existing businesses, attracted 21 new businesses, and created and retained…To read more — login/subscribe
Starting in May, owners of full-sized pickup trucks and extended vans will face fines for parking in the angled spots in a three-block stretch of downtown Sioux Falls, SD (est. pop. 206,405). In other words, Ford F-150s, Dodge Rams, and other trucks with ambitious proportions could get $15 tickets if their tailgates or hitches block…To read more — login/subscribe
Like similar corridors around the country, the Black Main Street in Mobile, AL (est. pop. 182,594), has struggled to maintain a thriving presence. From the 1940s through the 1970s it was the hub of black-owned businesses and venues. Urban renewal projects in the 1970’s divided the community and removed more than half of the businesses.…To read more — login/subscribe
“Broken window” policing rose to prominence during Rudy Giuliani’s tenure as mayor of New York City, then fell from favor. With many downtowns struggling with concerns about public safety, one expert on criminology says it’s time to bring back the concept. Rafael Mangual, a fellow at the Manhattan Institute and author of the book Criminal…To read more — login/subscribe
For most downtowns in northern climates, summertime is festival season. Winter is just too cold and dreary to lure people outside. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Here are five downtowns that host cold-weather events. One essential is providing plenty of opportunities to warm up with both indoor activities and warming stations. Fire…To read more — login/subscribe
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
