Downtown Idea Exchange

Gunnison, CO (est. pop. 6,821), is taking steps to increase housing density by allowing more accessory dwelling units and removing residential lot size requirements. During a series of public open houses, the small city heard residents who were eager for such alternative development styles as accessory dwelling units, apartments for seniors, clustered cottages, mobile home…To read more — login/subscribe

 

Since 2023, Maryville, MO (est. pop. 10,556), has used a Saturday morning farmer’s market to boost downtown vibrancy and support local entrepreneurs. “Past attempts to organize a farmers market struggled with location, engagement, and long-term vision. Downtown had a low vacancy rate but needed to generate more foot traffic,” DeAnn Davison, executive director of Downtown…To read more — login/subscribe

 

Night markets are coming alive after dusk in cities across North America. These bustling open-air markets originated in Asia, where they became a fundamental part of urban nightlife. Today, they are expanding to North America particularly in cities with diverse immigrant populations. These new night markets showcase everything from global cuisine and local crafts to…To read more — login/subscribe

 

Downtown organizations of all types are successfully supporting their work with grants from federal, state, and local agencies, as well as corporate, private, family, and community foundations. A 2010 survey of Downtown Idea Exchange readers found that 30 percent of respondents took advantage of government grants, while another 23 percent took advantage of foundation or…To read more — login/subscribe

 

Scavenger hunt blends old and new Photo scavenger hunts exploded in popularity during the Covid-19 pandemic. The hunts provided a reason to go downtown, explore, and discover while safely distancing outdoors. But photo scavenger hunts were a downtown marketing staple long before lock-downs began.  For example, in the early teens, history buffs and downtown fans…To read more — login/subscribe

 

• Aspen’s public art initiative activates downtown spaces with community input
• Tactical urbanism goes mainstream
• Downtowns use CPTED to reduce vandalism and crime
• Popular art walk increases downtown foot traffic
• Code revamp seeks to increase residential density, improve curb appeal
• Low-budget farmers market reaps big rewards 
• Night markets keep the city center alive after dark
• Grants can be hard work, but they’re worth it
• Idea Exchange

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The Downtown Plainfield logo is easily adapted to street poles and other uses. In Plainfield, NJ (est. pop. 54,515), the downtown organization has been reimagining its name, its image, and its mission. In a move aimed to make the group’s role clearer to the public, the Plainfield Special Improvement District renamed itself Downtown Plainfield. And…To read more — login/subscribe

 

Unused corner store in Louisville, KY. In modern America, buying groceries and other everyday items all but requires a trip to a big-box store. But a century ago, urban neighborhoods were filled with corner stores within walking distance of residents. Planners in cities such as Louisville, KY (est. pop. 622,981), Seattle, WA (est. pop. 755,078),…To read more — login/subscribe

 

Street signs in Billings, MT, guide drivers. In theory, back-in angled parking is a safer way to park. Motorists are able to pull straight out of their spots while looking out at traffic, lessening the chances of hitting a pedestrian, cyclist, or another vehicle. In practice, though, back-in angle parking is just annoying to many…To read more — login/subscribe

 

Simple set-up for Louisville Downtown Pickleball Street Fest. Pickleball, that racquet sport once favored by retirees in the Sun Belt, has gone mainstream. Now, the sport is played by people of all ages. And competitions air on ESPN. Downtown leaders know a good trend when they see one, and they’re embracing it. In Louisville, KY…To read more — login/subscribe