To encourage local groups to make the most of a once-in-a-lifetime event, the Newark Downtown Alliance created a community engagement toolkit for the 2026 World Cup. The toolkit includes simple ways to tap into the "global energy" of the tournament. But these ideas will also help downtown leaders tap into local, regional, and national events…To read more — login/subscribe
Greensboro, NC (est. pop. 307,372), has launched RISE Infill, a loan program that partners with private lenders to redevelop underused commercial properties, renovate vacant or aging buildings, and invest in mixed-use projects. Launched in May 2026, RISE Infill is the first initiative associated with the city's broader RISE framework, intended to coordinate economic development tools and initiatives. "Redevelopment…To read more — login/subscribe
Holiday activities transform commercial districts into vibrant destinations, encouraging residents to shop, dine, and spend locally. Some of the most important elements in a holiday celebration are festive decorations, enticing shop windows, and a wide range of unique and tempting gifts. Here's how a range of downtowns are making the season special. Trees Decorations are…To read more — login/subscribe
Downtown glow up reduces summertime heat Downtown Houston hopes that its World Cup preparations have a lasting impact on the city and the downtown. One of many projects is the development of the Main Street promenade, a $17 million project led by Downtown Houston+ that transformed seven blocks of Main Street into a vehicle-free corridor.…To read more — login/subscribe
In suburbs around the country, data centers have become a point of contention. But for downtown leaders struggling to fill empty buildings, they could be a welcome source of new tenants. One headline-grabbing example came from downtown Minneapolis (est. pop. 428,572), where the Sleep Number headquarters earlier this year was sold for $235 million, the…To read more — login/subscribe
Downtown leaders in Sterling, IL (est. pop. 14,717), thought a retail incubator could breathe life into downtown by giving small-scale makers a place to prove their business concepts. The incubator project has accomplished that, but the initiative gained traction only after plenty of hard work and a false start or two, says Janna Groharing, executive…To read more — login/subscribe
In April 2024, the economic development department in Surprise, AZ (est. pop. 167,569), put out a spoof video calling for Whole Foods Market to open a location inthe city. The #KaleEmergency spot, posted on April Fool's Day, proved so unique that it won an honor in the annual Excellence Awards from the International EconomicDevelopment Council.…To read more — login/subscribe
Public parking might be one of the toughest topics downtown leaders deal with, says Roger Brooks of Destination Development. "After doing this for 40 years, I don't think I've ever found a more divisive topic," he says. Brooks pushes back against the insistence from merchants and motorists that on-street parking should be free. After all,…To read more — login/subscribe
Puyallup, WA (est. pop. 42,746), is converting an underused downtown thoroughfare into a "festival street." The street will be redesigned to enhance pedestrian safety, improve accessibility, and create a flexible space that can be temporarily closed for special events and activities. Like many festival streets, it will have a curbless design incorporating decorative pavement, street…To read more — login/subscribe
