Since 2017 AARP (formerly the American Association of Retired Persons) has distributed millions of dollars through its AARP Community Challenge grant program. The 2024 grantees included an alley transformation project in Vallejo, CA, accessibility improvements to a crosswalk in downtown Torrington CT, the addition of wheelchair-accessible picnic tables to parks in downtown Angola, IN, creation…To read more — login/subscribe
Walking trail highlights downtown stores In Hartselle, AL, a new walking trail is winding its way through the city’s downtown. The initiative aims to promote heart health through low-impact exercise while simultaneously driving foot traffic to downtown businesses. To guide walkers, signs were installed at two trail heads and decals were placed on sidewalks along…To read more — login/subscribe
Eagle Cotton Mill Fairfield Inn & Suites received Indiana Landmarks’ Renaissance Award, which recognizes the revitalization of “long-decaying historic properties.” The Madison Main Street Program in Madison, IN (est. pop. 12,211), was founded way back in 1979, a moment when Rust Belt downtowns were still in their heyday. It was one of the nation’s first…To read more — login/subscribe
Tin Pan Alley is a “people street” in downtown Bend, OR. Bend, OR (est. pop. 104,554), is exploring the concept of low-car districts, or “people streets,” downtown. And downtown leaders are contending with considerable pushback from the business community. During the pandemic, many downtowns closed streets to car traffic as a way to attract visitors.…To read more — login/subscribe
Cities from Miami to San Diego have cracked down on electric scooter programs that became disruptive. Now another city — Columbus, OH (est. pop. 909,074) — is reining in its chaotic scooter program. Columbus’ pool of bike and scooter rental services will be replaced next spring by a single vendor. At the same time, the…To read more — login/subscribe
Just a few months after Mishawaka, IN (est. pop. 50,899), enacted a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA), the city council voted in December to expand the boundaries of the drinking zone. In September, Mishawaka approved the DORA for a small area of downtown known as Ironworks Plaza. The expanded boundaries encompass vendors along North Main…To read more — login/subscribe
For most American cities large and small, there’s only one way for City Hall to operate, at least when it comes to the space occupied by municipal offices. City Hall is owned by the municipality, and it’s located downtown. But some cities are experimenting with that traditional formula. In Fort Myers, FL (est. pop. 97,369),…To read more — login/subscribe
Downtown businesses are usually very small, and they remain challenged by recent economic shifts. While a significant minority have tested artificial intelligence tools, few older entrepreneurs have worked on succession planning. Those are among the highlights of Main Street America’s 2024 Small Business Successand Support survey. The study compiled responses from 681 small business owners…To read more — login/subscribe
Movies and music in the park are popular events in Watsonville, CA. The city of Watsonville, CA, with a population of just over 50,000, reports a total of $8,879,604 in direct economic activity generated by local arts and culture organizations. This includes an average of $30.49 spent per person attending an event. That data is…To read more — login/subscribe
