Downtown Idea Exchange

Each month downtown leaders turn to Downtown Idea Exchange for practical news reports, how-to information, and hundreds of real-world examples of how downtowns are growing and prospering.

 


Downtown Idea Exchange, June 2020

June 1, 2020
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As coronavirus hits hard, some see suburbs gaining appeal

May 1, 2020
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The coronavirus pandemic has raised many questions, including this one: After the outbreak recedes, will Americans still want to live, work, and socialize in bustling downtowns? A disease that thrives on close contact could cause a shift in the preferences of office users and home buyers, and, possibly, a reappraisal of development patterns, some experts…To read more — login/subscribe

 

Downtown uses promotions to ease pain of construction project

May 1, 2020
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Downtown Birmingham, MI (est. pop. 21,066), is in the midst of a series of infrastructure upgrades to replace decades-old water and sewer pipes. When the work is done, the historic downtown will have wider sidewalks, colorful planters, and new benches with phone-charging stations. In the meantime, the torn-up streets and disappearing parking spots are bad…To read more — login/subscribe

 

To ease parking squeeze, city gives bus passes, bike-share discounts to downtown workers

May 1, 2020
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Santa Cruz, CA (est. pop. 64,729), has a thriving downtown. Some 4,000 workers have jobs in the district, and downtown’s mix of early-morning cafés and late-night bars create what Claire Gollogly, the city’s transportation planner, calls a “23-hour” city. There is a catch, though. Downtown Santa Cruz is home to just 2,000 parking spaces. “We…To read more — login/subscribe

 

Ongoing promotions keep commuting options top of mind

May 1, 2020
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During the month of February, the GO Santa Cruz program hosted the Fall in Love with Carpooling Challenge. Through the challenge, downtown commuters who carpooled at least four times during the month earned Downtown Dollars plus the chance to win a downtown date night for two valued at $200.  To enter, participants signed up with…To read more — login/subscribe

 

Driver shortage hampers growth of public transit

May 1, 2020
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Transit systems nationwide are struggling to cope with a severe labor shortage that is hampering performance and hindering ridership, The Wall Street Journal reports. Rock-bottom unemployment coupled with a wave of retirements by baby boomer operators has left many transit agencies understaffed. Denver, for instance, needs dozens of train operators, while Minneapolis and St. Louis…To read more — login/subscribe

 

How to keep your organization afloat in tough times

May 1, 2020
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The coronavirus pandemic has foisted an unprecedented crisis on downtown organizations. Many organizations were blindsided by the suddenness and severity of the downturn. To help coach downtown leaders through the turmoil, the International Downtown Association (IDA) and Progressive Urban Management Associates (PUMA) collaborated on a game plan that spells out steps to take in the…To read more — login/subscribe

 

Your downtown tenants are in danger; here’s how to help them

May 1, 2020
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The coronavirus pandemic could permanently close millions of small businesses, including some that occupy storefronts in your downtown. With many downtowns all but closed for business, the restaurants, bars, and beauty salons that form the backbone of many commercial corridors face an existential threat. See the full report from the Main Street America survey. Of…To read more — login/subscribe

 

For downtowns lacking greenspace, cemeteries can fit the bill

May 1, 2020
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In Kennesaw, GA (est. pop. 33,700), a downtown cemetery is no longer just a final resting place.  The Kennesaw City Cemetery, an eight-acre space that opened in 1863, is being transformed into a greenspace and recreation area. Under a plan approved unanimously by the city council in 2019, the graveyard will host fun runs, yoga…To read more — login/subscribe

 

Artists take over cemetery

May 1, 2020
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Historic Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, NY, hosts a sold out event called Nightfall each year. The Green-Wood Historic Fund works to maintain the cemetery’s “vibrant presence in our current time by presenting open-to-the public events such as walking tours, lectures, and performances.” During the Nightfall event, thousands of candles guide visitors along the cemetery’s winding…To read more — login/subscribe