The area known as Lock 3 in downtown Akron, OH (est. pop. 189,669), has gone through many evolutions. It was once a working canal lock on the Ohio and Erie Canal. The site later became a lumber yard, then a toy factory that burned down in 1904, and eventually a parking lot for O'Neil's Department…To read more — login/subscribe
Downtown Reno, NV, is tackling a messy problem that many downtowns face. With more and more people calling downtown home, there's been an increase in pet waste. A new campaign from the Downtown Reno Partnership is providing education and resources to keep city streets clean. The campaign includes humorous signs, social media messages, and other…To read more — login/subscribe
Road diet for Main Street According to crash statistics from the Oregon Department of Transportation, the accident rate on Main Street in downtown Baker City is higher than average for streets with comparable traffic volumes. From 2015 to 2025, the city saw 47 crashes, including 14 rear-end collisions. In response, the city will re-stripe Main…To read more — login/subscribe
In downtown Breckenridge, CO (est. pop. 4,959), the streets are narrow, the snowfall is plentiful, and the bars and restaurants are bustling. All of that leads to a not-so-great-outcome when it comes to downtown walkability—during ski season, delivery trucks and pedestrians compete for space on icy streets and sidewalks. What’s more, delivery drivers must contend…To read more — login/subscribe
In 2019, Austin, TX (est. pop. 993,771), passed an ordinance decriminalizing homelessness. The move sparked a political firestorm. Austin’s new regulation inspired an advocate to distribute bright orange tents to the city’s homeless population, and seemingly overnight, unhoused people were camping out in full view. Everyone from Austin residents to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott wanted…To read more — login/subscribe
In little Cape Charles, VA (est. pop. 1,201), the Strawberry Street Plaza has been a centerpiece of downtown for nearly a decade. Created in 2017, the open-air plaza sits at the center of town with a clear view of the Cape Charles Harbor and connections to shops and restaurants along Mason Avenue, Cape Charles’ main…To read more — login/subscribe
Volunteers are an essential part of every downtown organization. They offer essential insight, credibility, and capacity. However finding great volunteers, creating meaningful work, and keeping them on board can be a challenge. Despite the obstacles, well trained and managed volunteers can contribute to everything from committee work, to staffing a "Facade Squad" to connect property…To read more — login/subscribe
Downtown replaces signals with all-way stop signs Downtown Louisville, KY, is replacing some stop lights with stop signs in an effort to make downtown safer and more attractive. The move is part of a larger plan which will also include: reverting one-way streets to two-way, removing excess lanes, and adding parking and bike lanes. The…To read more — login/subscribe
