The federal government is directing hundreds of billions of dollars to states and cities, a windfall that has downtown leaders nationwide positioning themselves to get a piece of the pie. In March, President Joe Biden signed the American Rescue Plan (ARP) into law. The initiative calls for $1.9 trillion in economic stimulus, including an infusion…To read more — login/subscribe
After a contentious election season, the planning commission in Petoskey, MI, will review its political sign regulations. Those standards currently include a 15-day period to remove signs after an election, and size limits depending on the area of the city. But, city officials say a wave of complaints this year has prompted a second look…To read more — login/subscribe
A building boom has brought thousands of new residents to apartments in downtown Raleigh, NC. That trend toward greater density is colliding with another reality of urban life — downtown residents love their dogs, even if they don’t have backyards that give their pooches plenty of space to play. The obvious answer is to build…Continue reading
The National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) has released a new guide, Streets for Pandemic Response and Recovery. The online guide provides cities with strategies they can use to redesign and adapt streets for new uses during the pandemic and recovery. The report compiles successful practices from cities worldwide such as converting curbside lanes…To read more — login/subscribe
Like many small towns, Oneonta, AL, long struggled to bring life and tax revenues to its declining downtown. Unlike most, Oneonta had a downtown property and a plan. The city owned a vacant car dealership, and City Manager Ed Lowe believed that recruiting a college to offer classes on the site would generate much-needed foot…Continue reading
Signage is an important part of reopening in Fort Lee, NJ. The Fort Lee Downtown Business Alliance is placing signage in public areas throughout the district to promote safe distancing and to remind customers to wear face coverings. The alliance is also helping local business spread the safe-reopening message within their shops and restaurants with…To read more — login/subscribe
The coronavirus pandemic proved devastating for many downtowns. But now that the world has resumed traveling, dining out, and — to a lesser extent — working from offices, downtowns are experiencing a revival. This latest shift in consumer behavior presents both a challenge and an opportunity, says Steve Chandler, a brand strategist and owner of…To read more — login/subscribe
Event management expert Lynn Fuhler looks at downtowns near her home base of Winston-Salem, NC, and sees no shortage of “trails” — themed walking or driving tours that draw in customers by playing up assets that local folks might take for granted. Downtown Asheville, NC, for instance, offers architectural tours showcasing the city’s 1920s buildings.…To read more — login/subscribe
Cities, business districts, and commercial corridors of all sizes are embracing place branding to attract visitors, new residents, businesses, and investors. Still, many city centers have saddled themselves with words and images that are outdated and generic. Branding expert Bill Baker travels the world’s downtowns, and he sees many downtown leaders making common branding mistakes.…To read more — login/subscribe
