Chicago’s downtown district and its North Side are thriving, but its South and West sides continue to struggle. In response, Mayor Lori Lightfoot kicked off Invest South/West, a three-year plan that seeks to invest $750 million in dormant and struggling retail areas in 10 neighborhoods, including Austin, Auburn Gresham, New City, and Bronzeville. The city’s…To read more — login/subscribe
“Live music, kayak clubs, kid-friendly events, close the street happenings, and experiences.” That’s just one of the many resident suggestions for activities in the new town square in downtown Riverside, NY. The city has acquired several underused parcels and is working to create a new town square with direct access to the nearby Piconic River.…To read more — login/subscribe
The Flatiron District in Manhattan is home to dozens of restaurants, bakeries, and cafés. Despite the wide range of options, diners needed a little extra push to order food for delivery or pick-up during the pandemic. The solution: Offer a year of free meals. The contest was simple, participants enjoy a meal from their favorite…To read more — login/subscribe
In April, Troubadour Thursdays brought live music to downtown Tucson, AZ, and encouraged diners to visit their favorite outdoor dining spots. Each of the five nights of music featured a different local band, playing everything from Gypsy Jazz and Desert Rock to Bluegrass and Americana Folk. The music started at the downtown Fox Tucson Theater…To read more — login/subscribe
After a one year hiatus, the annual Riverhead Cardboard Boat Race is returning this summer to the Peconic River in downtown Riverhead, NY. The race is one of several popular events that was canceled due to COVID-19. The annual event draws hundreds to the city center to participate and watch as some 30 boats, made…To read more — login/subscribe
Following the lead of similar successful projects, Kuna, ID, will launch its own retail market village in June. The village will consist of 12 small shops in re-purposed garden sheds. The sheds will surround a central green space with room for food trucks and small gatherings. Lisa Holland the city’s economic development director tells the…To read more — login/subscribe
Shamrockin’, a St. Patrick’s Day celebration sponsored by Main Street El Dorado, AR, was the first large event held downtown in over a year. According to MSE executive director Beth Brumley, the group submitted event plans to the Arkansas Department of Health and was approved to host a maximum of 400 people at any given…To read more — login/subscribe
In Kansas City, MO, an asphalt art project transformed a tricky intersection making it less hazardous for pedestrians. In Saginaw, MI, a public art initiative sought to bridge a long-simmering racial divide. Both projects were funded by the Bloomberg Philanthropies Asphalt Art Initiative. The grant program gives up to $25,000 per locale for visual art…To read more — login/subscribe
In 2016, the City of St. Louis, MO, grabbed headlines when it decided to prohibit new crosswalk art projects, and to allow existing installations to fade away. St. Louis officials pointed to 2011 guidance from the Federal Highway Administration. It said that “crosswalk art is actually contrary to the goal of increased safety and most…To read more — login/subscribe
