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.

 


Chicago mayor proposes ban on downtown marijuana dispensaries

November 1, 2019
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In Chicago, landlords and cannabis entrepreneurs are gearing up for a new business opportunity presented by Illinois’ legalization of recreational marijuana. Mayor Lori Lightfoot has a different idea. Chicago’s top elected official proposed banning pot shops downtown. Lightfoot’s rationale: If dispensaries are allowed on Michigan Avenue and other high-value addresses, Chicago’s less prosperous neighborhoods won’t…To read more — login/subscribe

 

City considers banning construction workers from downtown parking

November 1, 2019
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With construction on the rise, the Burlington Downtown Business Association is looking for ways to ease travel and parking in the city center. According to the local InsideHalton.com, the association’s proposals include requiring increased communication with downtown businesses and enhanced construction cleanup. More controversial is the proposal to require construction workers to park outside of…To read more — login/subscribe

 

Downtown association, library team-up for promotion

November 1, 2019
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September was National Library Card Sign-up Month. To celebrate the event, businesses in downtown Pittsfield, MA, offered special discounts and giveaways exclusively to library card holders. The Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield’s public library, joined forces with Downtown Pittsfield Inc. to coordinate the deals at 25 downtown businesses for the entire month. To take advantage of the…To read more — login/subscribe

 

Hard hat specials

November 1, 2019
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Despite streetcar construction in downtown Tempe, AZ, intrepid visitors donned hard hats and enjoyed all that the city center has to offer.  Each week the Tempe Downtown Authority gave away 100 reusable yellow hard hats imprinted with the association logo. People wearing hard hats could claim an hour of free parking as well as specials…To read more — login/subscribe

 

Association seeks changes to event permitting

November 1, 2019
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In an effort to support local businesses, the Downtown Bend Business Association is asking the city council to make several changes to downtown event permitting. The changes include limiting the number of days that events can be held on city center streets. Currently the city allows up to three events per month from September to…To read more — login/subscribe

 

Holiday bars draw revelers

November 1, 2019
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Last year, holiday bars popped up around the country. The bars typically feature extensive holiday decor, seasonal drinks, a fundraising component, and, of course, holiday music. In Pittsburgh, the pop-ups included both home-grown offerings and a nationwide chain. In the home-grown category was Auld Lang Syne, which occupied a portion of the popular Oyster House…To read more — login/subscribe

 

Downtown Idea Exchange, November 2019

November 1, 2019
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Small cities woo residents, workers with student loan assistance

October 1, 2019
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With many small cities struggling to lure skilled workers, a few downtowns are trying something new: They're offering to help people pay down their college loans if they move to town. Hamilton, OH (est. pop. 62,216), last year launched a Talent Attraction Program that offers up to $10,000 to workers who earned college degrees within…To read more — login/subscribe