Billions of dollars have flowed into funds focusing on opportunity zones, a new type of tax designation that waives capital gains taxes on investments in blighted areas nationwide. In April, the U.S. Treasury Department clarified some of the guidelines around opportunity zone investments, and the new regulations sparked optimism from tax experts. “These rules could…To read more — login/subscribe
A few cities are testing a high-tech innovation in a decidedly low-tech corner of urban placemaking. San Francisco (est. pop. 884,363) and Pittsburgh (est. pop. 302,414) are among the cities that are relying on “smart” trash bins that use sensors to alert garbage collectors as the receptacles reach capacity. While no downtown benefits from overflowing…To read more — login/subscribe
Downtown Employee Appreciation Week in Wausau, WI, includes an adult ball pit, the world’s largest coffee break, DIY workshops, an ice cream social, and a succulent bar. The event, now in its fourth year, is dedicated to thanking downtown employees and introducing them to downtown amenities that they may not be familiar with. “This week…To read more — login/subscribe
As summer rolled around, legions of beautifully decorated fiberglass dogs, cats, cows, and more were placed on temporary display in downtowns across North America. In Athens, GA, animals were replaced with comfortable rocking chairs painted by local art students and members of an artist cooperative. The goals of the project were to beautify and to…To read more — login/subscribe
After a tough winter, with weather that prevented many downtown merchants from opening their doors, businesses were hoping to bounce back with the Downtown Cedar Rapids Summer Passport program. Jesse Thoeming, Cedar Rapids Downtown District executive director, said in a news release that he hopes people look at this program as a sort of scavenger…To read more — login/subscribe
Downtown Mesa, AZ, offers new businesses, a vibrant downtown filled with murals, art installations, and placemaking projects. It also offers small businesses something a little less artistic: The Downtown Small Business Attraction Utility Rate Program. The program provides a 25 percent reduction in energy and water bills for three years for new businesses that fit…To read more — login/subscribe
In May and June, the Greater Des Moines Partnership lures workers away from their desks and onto city streets with the weekly Out to Lunch event. Events are held in a series of rotating locations every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. They feature food trucks and vendors, as well as live music. Downtown…To read more — login/subscribe
Four sand volleyball courts drew players and spectators to an underused section of downtown Akron, OH, this summer. The project brings together the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition, and Summit Sports & Social, which runs volleyball and other sports leagues downtown. The foundation and canalway coalition have…To read more — login/subscribe
South Orange, NJ, (est. pop. 16,198), had a business-recruitment problem. There was no shortage of tenants interested in setting up shop in South Orange’s downtown — but the village’s rules didn’t allow for many of the types of experience-based tenants that are taking space in downtowns nationwide. The municipality’s rules were "very, very restrictive," says…To read more — login/subscribe
