Somerset, KY (est. pop. 11,998), unveiled a new wayfinding system that features directional and informational signs throughout downtown streets. The signs carry the city’s brand and logo, and their role is both practical and less obvious revealing connections, highlighting diversity, and demonstrating community pride. The network was launched in Somerset’s downtown core with plans to…To read more — login/subscribe
Albuquerque, NM (est. pop. 561,006), has joined a growing trend toward waiving bus fares. The city council moved in late 2023 to remove all fees for transit services provided by ABQ Ride. The move follows a two-year pilot program, numerous data reports, and feedback from community members. “Since the Zero Fare Pilot Program began, we…To read more — login/subscribe
In a handful of downtowns, such as Berkeley, CA, and Charlottesville, VA, college campuses and downtowns have grown up together over a period of decades. But most downtowns have to work to bring in college campuses and their steady streams of students. Sometimes, the strategy works — expanding colleges can help fill downtown vacancies while…To read more — login/subscribe
Food tourism continues to grow Traveling to a destination specifically for its food and beverages is on the rise. The World Food Travel Association defines food tourism as “Traveling for a taste of place to get a sense of place.” In 2019, the global culinary tourism market was valued at $1.1 billion and is projected…To read more — login/subscribe
Both Vancouver, BC (est. pop. 2,683,000), and Vancouver, WA (est. pop. 194,509), are known for their rainy weather. And both downtowns have unveiled umbrella share programs for visitors and residents who find themselves caught in the rain. In Vancouver, WA, Vancouver’s Downtown Association has operated the Umbrella Share Program for two years, says Michael Walker,…To read more — login/subscribe
Rochester, NY (est. pop. 209,325), is the rare municipality of its size without a business improvement district (BID). City officials are trying to change that, but they’re running into resistance from community members who question the very legitimacy of BIDs. The proposal to form a BID in Rochester has powerful backers. Supporters include Rochester Mayor…To read more — login/subscribe
Downtown Louisville, KY (est. pop. 628,594), is struggling with a familiar problem — work-from-home trends mean fewer workers are commuting to offices. To fight back, the city has unveiled a new incentive program to entice large office users to relocate or expand in the district. Downtown’s vacancy rate has jumped from about 12 percent before…To read more — login/subscribe
In Kansas City, MO (est. pop. 509,247), downtown leaders are in the midst of an ambitious project to build a four-block-long park over Interstate 670. The $217 million plan — known as the South Loop Project — is being driven by Port KC, the Downtown Council of Kansas City, and the City of Kansas City.…To read more — login/subscribe
In January, the city council of Portland, OR (est. pop. 635,296), adopted an emergency ordinance that lets food trucks operate in the Central City Plan District. The two-year pilot program waives city rules barring food trucks from the district. The new program expands the Portland Bureau of Transportation’s Healthy Business Program, which let downtown property…To read more — login/subscribe
