Downtown Idea Exchange

• Downtown uses podcast to spread message and useful information
• Bike lanes are having a moment — one downtown leaders should embrace
• Seven strategies for encouraging infill development
• Federal proposal would add incentives for downtown development
• Pedestrian plaza wins accolades for placemaking
• Back-in angle parking gains momentum as safety measure
• Events support restaurants, downtown role as community gathering place
• Local realtors have unique access to placemaking grants
• Idea Exchange

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In Columbus, GA (est. pop. 202,616), the city’s greatest natural asset had been turned into an eyesore. In the 1800s, textile mills dammed the Chattahoochee River as a power source. A century and a half later, the textile industry was long gone — and the river languished as an industrial wasteland. But downtown leaders, including…To read more — login/subscribe

 

In Gastonia, NC (est. pop. 82,666), and Wilson, NC (est. pop. 47,767), city officials grew frustrated by the lack of passengers on their public bus networks. Ridership was light, causing the systems to dial back service. In both cities, a dearth of riders created a self-perpetuating cycle — because buses were empty, transit officials scaled…To read more — login/subscribe

 

Little Monroeville, AL (est. pop. 5,917), has a big reputation. After all, it’s the hometown of two famous authors — Truman Capote and Harper Lee, who set To Kill a Mockingbird in Monroeville. Lee’s widely read novel also became a classic film, driving generations of visitors to the town in southwestern Alabama. “We’re able to…To read more — login/subscribe

 

In Flint, MI (est. pop. 79,865), a nonprofit recently celebrated 20 years of cleaning and maintaining neglected properties. A growing body of research suggests that such efforts are a powerful crime-fighting tool. The Genesee County Land Bank Authority operates the city’s Clean & Green cleanup program. According to a news release from the organization, from…To read more — login/subscribe

 

Revellers will be ringing in the new year in city centers across the nation. While every downtown celebrates in its own unique style, there are some things that have stood the test of time and can be incorporated into virtually any celebration. Ball drop. New Year’s Eve is known for the official Times Square Ball…To read more — login/subscribe

 

Since 2003, the Levitt Foundation has awarded more than $3 million to more than 50 communities across the United States. The foundation’s primary grant programs focus on free concerts aimed at invigorating public spaces and enhancing community life. In 2023 the foundation announced that it will spend down $150 million in assets by 2041. This…To read more — login/subscribe

 

Downtown supports businesses with a show of hands Community-directed funding is making a difference for small businesses in downtown Wheeling, WV. The premise is simple: Community members are presented with projects that would positively impact the city and vote for the project they want to support.  Over the past 10 years Show of Hands has…To read more — login/subscribe

 

• In unlikely win, city transforms neglected river from ‘sewer’ into destination
• Two cities end bus service, move to Uber-style networks
• Struggling small town uses the fundamentals to drive rebirth
• City turns to nonprofits to care for vacant properties, reduce crime
• Downtowns end the year with New Year’s Eve celebrations
• Levitt Foundation, a strong record of supporting the arts downtown
• Idea Exchange

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Like many U.S. cities, San Francisco was hit hard by the pandemic. A city program to offer free rent to merchants is bringing back some activity — and luring some wary merchants who ultimately sign long-term leases. Vacant to Vibrant was launched last year by Mayor London Breed to fill empty space downtown, the area…To read more — login/subscribe