As the coronavirus shut down its city center, Memphis, TN (est. pop. 650,632), faced a mass extinction of small merchants. The Downtown Memphis Commission responded quickly, handing out short-term loans totaling $260,000 to 46 businesses. The program was designed to provide emergency funding for small businesses that might not have been able to receive larger…To read more — login/subscribe
For decades, packed trains and buses have served as a sign of economic vitality. Workers cramming onto public transit at rush hour reflected robust labor markets and viable levels of urban density. The coronavirus pandemic is changing all that. As the country reopens, transit officials are being forced to rethink how many people they can…To read more — login/subscribe
How transit authorities can make the commute safe: • Work with employers to change work hours. Rush hour and social distancing are incompatible, so transit officials have been lobbying employers to stagger workers’ schedules. • Spread the crowds. Many transit agencies have cut passenger limits but added train cars, a move that allows passengers to…To read more — login/subscribe
In a move to accelerate downtown’s re-opening, Eugene, OR, has streamlined the process for businesses to apply for outdoor dining permits. The temporary action eliminates the fees associated with applying and allows for same-day approval. “Using the outdoors, including sidewalks, parking stalls and possibly streets, is a way we can work together so patrons and…To read more — login/subscribe
Newport News, VA, has seen a sharp drop-off in sales tax revenue since the start of the pandemic and has canceled several capital projects including the construction of a downtown parking garage. Mayor McKinley Prince tells NPR that the city has to make some tough decisions. “You know we can’t jeopardize our safety services like…To read more — login/subscribe
Business owners in college towns are familiar with the annual cycle of students and revenues increasing in the fall and declining in the spring. But this year it’s different for many cities and towns. In Chico, CA, home to Chico State University and 15,000 students, the university has canceled fall classes. This leaves local business…To read more — login/subscribe
As New York City begins to slowly reopen, a new issue is emerging: public urination. More and more New Yorkers are taking to the streets and public parks with to-go cocktails and beers, iced drinks, and water bottles. With restrooms at restaurants, bars, and coffee shops closed, public urination is on the rise says the…To read more — login/subscribe
The City of Santa Monica, CA, acted quickly to make it easier for new and existing businesses to open as the city recovers from the pandemic. “We’re creating opportunities and eliminating barriers for existing and new businesses alike, while retaining the thoughtful process that protects our community values,” says Mayor Kevin McKeown. The changes will…To read more — login/subscribe
As part of the re-opening plans in Peterborough, England, the city council is providing advice for shoppers. The cathedral city joined the nation in re-opening doors to non-essential shops in mid-June. All Peterborough shops and public areas have been asked to complete the government’s Covid-19 risk assessment and to display it in their windows. The…To read more — login/subscribe
Signage is an important part of reopening in Fort Lee, NJ. The Fort Lee Downtown Business Alliance is placing signage in public areas throughout the district to promote safe distancing and to remind customers to wear face coverings. The alliance is also helping local business spread the safe-reopening message within their shops and restaurants with…To read more — login/subscribe
