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.

 


For neighborhood intersections, mini-roundabouts can make sense

April 1, 2020
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Roundabouts are a popular way to smooth traffic flow at busy intersections. What about less hectic crossings where you’d like to slow vehicles? Mini-roundabouts have been shown to increase safety at intersections, according to the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO). Some best practices for mini-roundabouts include: • Crosswalks should be marked to clarify where…To read more — login/subscribe

 

City relaxes sign regulations

April 1, 2020
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In light of the coronavirus, several cities have relaxed enforcement of regulations that don’t impact public health or safety, such as allowing restaurants to erect banners without acquiring a permit. The City of Scottsdale, AZ, continues to require banner permits, but it has made changes to the permit process. With the city’s One Stop Shop…To read more — login/subscribe

 

Restaurant coalition promotes takeout

April 1, 2020
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On March 24, restaurants and bars around the country banded together for The Great American Takeout. The one-day event was sponsored by a coalition of some of the nation’s largest restaurant brands with the goal of helping boost takeout sales for restaurants struggling under coronavirus restrictions.  The national event produced dramatic results. In one example,…To read more — login/subscribe

 

Supermarket supports restaurants

April 1, 2020
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While downtown restaurants have been severely impacted by efforts to fight coronavirus, a New Orleans supermarket chain is stepping up to offer support.  Rouses Markets is testing a program to sell dishes prepared by local restaurants at its grocery stores. Popular items from two restaurants are being offered at the downtown Rouses Market. And plans…To read more — login/subscribe

 

Business owners support each other online

April 1, 2020
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As business owners in downtown Frisco, TX, adapted to the city’s stay-at-home order, they turned to one another for support and information.  The Frisco Downtown Merchants Association established a daily online meeting for businesses throughout The Rail District. “We’ve all kind of come together to pool our resources to figure out how we can stay…To read more — login/subscribe

 

City, local organizations join to support small businesses

April 1, 2020
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The City of Round Rock, TX, the Greater Round Rock Community Foundation, the Round Rock Chamber and Dell Technologies announced a new collaboration to assist local small businesses impacted by the coronavirus. Each organization has committed $25,000 to establish the Round Rock Cares fund. The fund also received over $4,000 in public support within its…To read more — login/subscribe

 

Statewide organization educates and informs

April 1, 2020
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In late March, Downtown New Jersey announced plans for a series of virtual forums for business owners and those involved with the management of downtown business districts. The forums will provide an opportunity to exchange ideas about best practices related to downtown economic development in light of the coronavirus. The first of the live web…To read more — login/subscribe

 

Downtown supports medical community

April 1, 2020
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A creative effort in St. Petersburg, FL, is supporting local healthcare workers and downtown businesses. The online Edge Guide selects one restaurant and one hospital or healthcare provider to participate each day. Meals are purchased from downtown businesses and delivered at no cost to the healthcare providers. As of late March, the program had raised…To read more — login/subscribe

 

Downtown Idea Exchange, April 2020

April 1, 2020
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New streetscape calms traffic, improves pedestrian experience

March 1, 2020
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The town square of Athens, AL (est. pop. 25,176), boasts a century-old courthouse, bustling restaurants, and a church. Successful events such as a farmers market and a concert series are staged in the historic downtown. Incongruously, downtown Athens was also long home to expansive thoroughfares seemingly designed for high-speed suburban traffic, not for a quaint…To read more — login/subscribe