Self-guided tours can be a powerful, low-cost, and long-lasting way to get more feet on the street downtown. From food trails to art walks, they encourage exploration, support local businesses, and help visitors and residents see the city center in a new way. Digital passports, stamp cards, or app-based check-ins turn these trails into fun…To read more — login/subscribe
Mom and Pop Czar One of the largest cities in the world is focusing on small businesses. New York City created the position of Mom and Pop Czar in April. The goal is to help small businesses navigate city government and get the support they need not only to stay open, but also to grow.…To read more — login/subscribe
Instead of tearing down a vacant building for parking, this downtown scores a redevelopment win. A 1905 building in downtown Ripon, WI (est. pop. 7,772), was set to be torn down and replaced with a parking lot. The historic space had been empty for years, and the building was problematic because of a mold infestation…To read more — login/subscribe
A 90-foot mural spans the library’s facade in downtown Worcester, MA. In Worcester, MA (est. pop. 211,289), public art installations have reshaped downtown. One example is hard to miss — it’s a massive mural decorating the library building. The others are much smaller — they’re colorful additions to Worcester’s stormwater drainage system. They urge residents…To read more — login/subscribe
A decade ago, downtown Wytheville, VA (est. pop. 8,202), was struggling. Vacancies were 42 percent in 2014. However, Wytheville has embarked on a remarkable turnaround. Vacancy is just 4 percent now, and the town was named one of the nation’s three Great American Main Street Awards honorees for 2026. “Downtown Wytheville exemplifies the power of…To read more — login/subscribe
Overhead sculpture defines activated space. Lighter, Quicker, Cheaper (LQC) placemaking projects are low-cost, short-term, and often temporary installations that can quickly improve a space before investing in permanent solutions. The term, coined over 40 years ago, continues to influence downtown development with projects ranging from quick low-cost approaches to pedestrian safety to creating green gathering…To read more — login/subscribe
The RedBall Project in Toronto. Public art goes big for maximum impact The RedBall Project is scheduled to visit the streets of downtown Dallas, TX, in June. The inflatable red ball will move through the city center with official locations announced on the art installation’s Instagram account. The ball is often found in iconic locations…To read more — login/subscribe
