The good news for America’s downtowns is that the U.S. economy has made a robust recovery from the pandemic. People are traveling, dining out, shopping, and otherwise going about their lives. The bad news? Downtown streets are once again overwhelmed with delivery trucks, rideshare vehicles, and side hustlers dropping off meals and groceries. In one…To read more — login/subscribe
For Canadian downtowns, post-pandemic summertime schedules are filling up with outdoor busker festivals. The events feature a variety of performers — musicians, magicians, jugglers, fire-eaters, stilt-walkers, acrobats, and specialty cyclists among others. And they hold strong appeal for audiences — there’s no cover charge, the entertainment options are broad, and tipping performers is optional. For…To read more — login/subscribe
The typical American roadway was built to invite speeds well above the posted limit, says Jeff Speck, a prominent proponent for walkability. However, Speck says, it’s possible to redesign streetscapes so that pedestrianism is more inviting and less frightening. “People will choose to walk when walking is useful, safe, comfortable, and interesting,” Speck writes in…To read more — login/subscribe
In late June, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision in the closely watched Grants Pass case. The legal question centered on whether cities can prevent homeless people from camping in public spaces. A lower court had determined that city ordinances regulating camping on public property constituted cruel and unusual punishment under the Eighth Amendment.…To read more — login/subscribe
Kaid Benfield, senior counsel at PlaceMakers and author of People Habitat, has spent a career thinking about what makes downtowns thrive. On his blog, Benfield lays out these key elements for a main street that attracts bustling foot traffic and boasts a healthy tenant mix: A superior pedestrian experience. “Main Streets are for walking, browsing,…To read more — login/subscribe
Americans are embracing electric vehicles, but public charging networks haven’t kept pace with the interest from motorists. This is true in downtowns nationwide — some have built robust charging networks, but many are trying to catch up. If you’re looking for funding for EV charging stations, here’s a bit of good news: The Bipartisan Infrastructure…To read more — login/subscribe
Amid another sweltering summer, downtown leaders are wondering how they can create some relief for downtown visitors. One solution is to look to the past when colorful awnings shaded both storefronts and pedestrians. The National Park Service says that owners of historic buildings are rediscovering awnings. “Local main street preservation programs encouraging — and in…To read more — login/subscribe
In Chicago, a group known as The Divvy Fishers Society has been retrieving discarded bike-share cycles from the chilly waters of Lake Michigan. The teams of volunteers use ropes and carabiners to drag Divvy bikes from the lake, reports BlockClubChicago. Bike sharing has emerged as a popular micromobility option in downtowns worldwide. But a number…To read more — login/subscribe
Start planning for cookie season Downtowns across the nation will welcome cookie sellers to their streets in February. Since 1917 Girl Scouts have been selling the seasonal treats in January through April. Cookie booths are typically set up on sidewalks, in building lobbies, and in retail locations. For example, Sommerville, NJ, hosts scouts at Starbucks,…To read more — login/subscribe
