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 homeless shelter offers luxury, helps city address stubborn crisis

January 1, 2021
The official statistics say downtown Memphis, TN (est. pop. 650,618), isn’t in need of additional emergency shelter beds for homeless people. But Jared Bingham looks around and sees that the official stats don’t tell the full story — there are many people in Memphis, especially women, who need shelter. “Memphis has about 8,000 families that…To read more — login/subscribe

 

Public art, storytelling part of award-winning branding program

January 1, 2021
 Skeptics think of downtown Bridgeport as a treacherous place. The Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District (DSSD) has a different perspective. It sees downtown Bridgeport, CT (est. pop. 144,365), as “friendly,” “flourishing,” and “eclectic.” To underscore that image, downtown boosters launched Colorful Bridgeport, a branding and marketing program that pitches the district as a vibrant place…To read more — login/subscribe

 

Is your bike plan bringing political fire? Four strategies for overcoming “bikelash”

January 1, 2021
 Led by a bike-friendly mayor, Pittsburgh is betting that bike transit is here to stay. But detractors have responded with a “bikelash” that includes complaints that new bike lanes take away valuable parking spots. This autumn, the city completed work on bike lanes that connect the city’s downtown to the Great Allegheny Passage trail. Earlier…To read more — login/subscribe

 

Six ways — including several contentious suggestions — to tackle parking challenges

January 1, 2021
Every successful urban district struggles with parking — how to provide enough spaces, how to price those spaces properly, how to enforce violations. In his book Walkable City Rules, city planner and urban designer Jeff Speck offers some contrarian advice about parking. Downtown leaders need to stop serving the parking monster, and instead make parking…To read more — login/subscribe

 

Low-cost artist studios support downtown’s Gallery Row

January 1, 2021
Lancaster City, PA, is home to a thriving downtown arts community, centered on the city’s Gallery Row. Throughout the year, a half dozen events ensure that streets, restaurants, and galleries are filled with browsers, shoppers, and diners. Events include an en plein air painting day with artists working on the sidewalks in front of galleries.…To read more — login/subscribe