Downtown Idea Exchange

As Houston, TX (est. pop. 2.3 million), prepares to host World Cup matches in 2026, downtown leaders aim to renovate a seven-block stretch of Main Street. The area is slated to be transformed into a pedestrian-only walkway, with extended space for shops and eateries.  The Main Street Promenade project has been led by Downtown Houston+,…To read more — login/subscribe

 

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

 

• Downtown reimagines pedestrian mall with new design, new name
• Beleaguered city expands safety patrols
• Downtown aims to attract young workers — by sprucing up streetscapes
• World Cup prompts revamp of downtown walkways
• Tree planting: big plans and small steps
• Community foundations share downtown goals
• Idea Exchange

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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