The Downtown Memphis Commission has been taking advantage of a state law aimed at fighting blight. The downtown organization makes occasional but aggressive use of the law, using it as a way to force owners of properties that are dangerous eyesores to take action. In one success story, the Downtown Memphis Commission used the Neighborhood…To read more — login/subscribe
Even before the pandemic, downtown Baltimore, MD (est. pop. 576,498), was struggling with economic challenges. Then came the lockdowns of 2020, and many small merchants were decimated. Now that the public health crisis is all but over, the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore is moving aggressively to bring independent retailers back. To lure entrepreneurs, the partnership…To read more — login/subscribe
Advocates for pedestrian safety are pushing for a simple fix that promises to make crosswalks safer for those traversing streets on foot: Forbid motorists from turning right on red lights. The concept is gaining momentum and also generating political pushback. Right-on-red turns are already illegal in the tourist zone of Honolulu. After successfully testing no-turn-on-red…To read more — login/subscribe
In the 20th century, many cities tried to contain creeks, streams, and small rivers with concrete culverts and other engineering projects. In the 21st century, growing numbers of imprisoned waterways are being set free. Restoring waterways to something like their natural order is a process known as “daylighting.” The restoration projects are gaining attention globally…To read more — login/subscribe
Most downtowns host the usual array of events — fireworks on the Fourth of July, a tree lighting ceremony for the holidays, and perhaps a restaurant week. But often the most successful efforts are unique, home-grown events that resonate with locals and attract non-locals. A careful look at a community’s history, industry, and foods will…To read more — login/subscribe
Making the most of downtown’s murals A2AC Murals brings large, vibrant works of art to the public in Ann Arbor and the South East Michigan area. The program is run by the Ann Arbor Art Center and funded through Patronicity and a matching grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. The center encourages people to…To read more — login/subscribe
During the Great Recession, Danville, VA (est. pop. 42,556), had fallen on such hard times that it was unclear if downtown could ever bounce back. “Our downtown completely died,” says Diana Schwartz, executive director of Danville’s River District Association. “Our entire community died.” No one was living downtown. The inventory of vacant commercial space stretched…To read more — login/subscribe
Downtown leaders in Milwaukee, WI (est. pop. 569,326), plan a dog park as part of an ongoing overhaul of the languishing area along — and under — Interstate 794. The interstate was part of a nationwide development of highways that divided many downtowns during the 20th century. In the case of I-794, the 3.75-mile roadway…To read more — login/subscribe
Electric scooter rentals continue to grow in popularity in downtowns. But in many cases, the rollout has been chaotic. Downtown merchants and residents complain about disorderly parking and groups of young joyriders. Most startlingly, riders have died of injuries suffered while using the scooters. All of that has led some cities to tighten regulations. In…To read more — login/subscribe
