Downtown Idea Exchange

Each month downtown leaders turn to Downtown Idea Exchange for practical news reports, how-to information, and hundreds of real-world examples of how downtowns are growing and prospering.

 


Downtown Idea Exchange, March 2022

March 1, 2022
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Downtown loosens alcohol rules, but not without pushback

February 1, 2022
Greensboro, NC (est. pop. 296,725), will launch a downtown social district in March. Within its boundaries, visitors will be able to stroll while carrying alcoholic beverages in specially labeled plastic cups. Greensboro is one of a number of North Carolina cities that have enacted, or are considering, downtown social districts after Gov. Roy Cooper in…To read more — login/subscribe

 

Downtowns make temporary dining parklets permanent

February 1, 2022
As downtowns tried to survive the pandemic, many cities rushed to allow restaurants to set up temporary outdoor dining areas in parking spaces, sidewalks, and parking lots. These pop-up parklets extended a lifeline to downtown restaurants. But the temporary parklet programs also came with downsides. In many cases, these areas were unregulated and not standardized.…To read more — login/subscribe

 

10 downtown trends to watch in 2022

February 1, 2022
Downtown merchants will embrace automation and self-service technology. Office space will be replaced by downtown residential uses. And electric vehicles will provide new opportunities to attract visitors. Those are among the predictions made by Matthew Wagner, chief program officer for the National Main Street Center. His forecast for 2022 is wide-ranging and covers both long…To read more — login/subscribe