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
Walking trail highlights downtown stores In Hartselle, AL, a new walking trail is winding its way through the city’s downtown. The initiative aims to promote heart health through low-impact exercise while simultaneously driving foot traffic to downtown businesses. To guide walkers, signs were installed at two trail heads and decals were placed on sidewalks along…To read more — login/subscribe
Eagle Cotton Mill Fairfield Inn & Suites received Indiana Landmarks’ Renaissance Award, which recognizes the revitalization of “long-decaying historic properties.” The Madison Main Street Program in Madison, IN (est. pop. 12,211), was founded way back in 1979, a moment when Rust Belt downtowns were still in their heyday. It was one of the nation’s first…To read more — login/subscribe
Tin Pan Alley is a “people street” in downtown Bend, OR. Bend, OR (est. pop. 104,554), is exploring the concept of low-car districts, or “people streets,” downtown. And downtown leaders are contending with considerable pushback from the business community. During the pandemic, many downtowns closed streets to car traffic as a way to attract visitors.…To read more — login/subscribe
