Downtown Idea Exchange

Traditional economic development strategies focus on wooing corporations, the larger the better. But it makes more sense to focus on homegrown businesses, says Matthew Wagner, vice president of revitalization programs at the National Main Street Center. “It’s really about shifting our economic development focus to one of cultivating human capital rather than business recruitment,” Wagner…To read more — login/subscribe

 

During the civil justice protests of 2020, some downtowns suffered property damage when demonstrators broke windows and looted stores. For merchants in those downtowns, the fallout continues. Some say they can no longer find insurance coverage that will protect them from future episodes of civil unrest. And business owners worry that the hands-off policing approaches…To read more — login/subscribe

 

Merchants can buy a standard Business Owners Policy (BOP) that covers damage to the physical assets of a business caused by fire, riots, civil commotion, or vandalism, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Coverage for plate glass windows typically is sold separately. Businesses that are forced to suspend operations or limit hours because of rioting…To read more — login/subscribe

 

As a proponent of tactical urbanism, Isaac Kremer is willing to break the rules once in a while. Kremer, executive director of the Metuchen Downtown Alliance in Metuchen, NJ (est. pop. 13,853), recently told the New Jersey Downtown Conference about the “unsanctioned” parklet project he built on a downtown street. The parklet included chairs and…To read more — login/subscribe

 

To the dismay of sports fans, the coronavirus pandemic canceled March Madness in 2020. For 2021, the show is on — and host city Indianapolis is setting up downtown to make the most of the marquee event. In most years, tournament games are played throughout the U.S. The championship city hosts just the finals and…To read more — login/subscribe

 

As downtowns everywhere struggle through the coronavirus pandemic, demand for downtown space has emerged in the form of state-regulated cannabis dispensaries. Office workers are staying home, retail shopping is shifting online, and restaurants and bars have been compelled to reduce their capacities — but legalized marijuana has provided a new source of downtown tenants. In…To read more — login/subscribe

 

In the summer months, downtowns everywhere expanded outdoor dining. But an obvious question loomed: What would replace outdoor dining when the mercury dropped? One downtown in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula answered that question by creating an outdoor ice-skating facility. The inspiration for the skate “ribbon” came by chance. Just before Christmas, the Portage Canal flowing between…To read more — login/subscribe

 

In the typical downtown organization, the same individuals and businesses provide financial support year after year. To expand that pool, Kathy LaPlante, a senior program officer with the National Main Street Center suggests adding an additional layer to your fundraising efforts by contacting businesses that serve and support downtown businesses. She says that these might…To read more — login/subscribe

 

Scavenger hunts can draw people into downtown and highlight all that city center has to offer. In Maine, the Downtown Bangor Partnership hosted a scavenger hunt in the days leading up to Valentine’s Day. Solving clues about local architecture and history netted participants cookies and a DIY gift. Participants followed clues to 12 downtown locations.…To read more — login/subscribe

 

“For too long, libraries have been under-appreciated, often drawing less interest and attention than a new sports arena, shopping complex, office tower, or theater,” says Wayne M. Senville, former editor of the Planning Commissioners Journal. “The good news is that this has begun to change, as more communities are recognizing the value that having a…To read more — login/subscribe