When it comes to bike lanes, U.S. cities are known to be well behind their peers in Europe and Canada. But that’s changing, according to the advocacy group People for Bikes. More protected bike lanes and safety-minded bike networks are being built than ever before, the group says. In hopes of inspiring other downtowns to…To read more — login/subscribe
In Berkeley, CA (est. pop. 123,065), Telegraph Avenue has emerged as a battleground over cars and their place in a pedestrian-friendly area. A handful of university students and activists want the street turned into a pedestrian plaza, but merchants say the proposal is bad for business. Telegraph Avenue is near the campus of the University…To read more — login/subscribe
This year, Small Business Saturday — a crucial event for downtowns vying with suburban retail destinations — is scheduled for November 25. The event provides an opportunity for downtown leaders to foster community engagement, and for independent businesses to shine. But moving foot traffic and dollars from big box stores and online retailers takes focused…To read more — login/subscribe
In Kansas City, MO (est. pop. 509,247), downtown leaders are in the midst of an ambitious project to build a four-block-long park over Interstate 670. The $217 million plan — known as the South Loop Project — is being driven by Port KC, the Downtown Council of Kansas City, and the City of Kansas City.…To read more — login/subscribe
A week-long celebration of fashion in Philadelphia, PA, is promoted with Random Acts of Fashion, which take place on city streets and on social-media platforms. The creative promotions includes: Ambush makeovers for four individuals in the weeks leading up to fashion week. The makeover winners are “revealed” on the local morning talk show.Remote Red Carpet,…Continue reading
In Chandler, AZ, city officials are combating the coronavirus downturn by marketing local businesses to consumers. The "I Choose Chandler" video reminds viewers that the city’s restaurants, gyms, clothing boutiques, and barbershops are open for business. The spot takes a subtle dig at online retailers, and the campaign urges local residents to support their neighbors. Part of…Continue reading
Downtown Louisville, KY, is struggling with a familiar problem — work-from-home trends mean fewer workers are commuting to offices. To fight back, the city has unveiled a new incentive program to entice large office users to relocate or expand in the district. The Downtown Tenant Improvement Program aims to bring in office users by dangling…Continue reading
Like many downtowns, Cleveland has struggled to adapt to post-pandemic patterns of commuting and visitation. As of September 2022, the city was getting 80 percent of the overall visits it experienced in 2019. And visits to office buildings had plummeted to just 61 percent of prepandemic levels. Given that harsh reality, the Downtown Cleveland Alliance…To read more — login/subscribe
Downtown leaders in West Palm Beach, FL (est. pop. 117,253), have launched an effort to ease the daily traffic crunch by giving drivers more alternatives. The West Palm Beach Mobility Coalition, or WPBgo, is a nonprofit that seeks to reduce traffic and improve mobility in and around downtown. The group’s director, Jonathan Hopkins, previously ran…To read more — login/subscribe
