As the coronavirus pandemic spurred new migration trends, downtown leaders in Miami, FL (est. pop. 467,968), decided to sweeten the pot for employers. The Miami Downtown Development Authority (DDA) launched a Follow the Sun initiative that pays incentives to businesses that move to the central business district. To qualify, an employer must create at least…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
During the highway-building spree that began in the 1950s, many downtowns were disrupted in ways that were convenient for car commuters but damaging to public life and the urban fabric. Now comes a federal investment in undoing the infrastructure projects from the 20th century. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Reconnecting Communities Pilot provides $1 billion…To read more — login/subscribe
It’s natural for downtown leaders to celebrate new businesses. But experienced economic developers say you shouldn’t forget the businesses that have been downtown for years. These businesses embody the community’s character, create unique experiences, and serve as inspiration for other business owners. That’s the motivation behind a new wave of “legacy” business programs aimed at…To read more — login/subscribe
Michigan City, IN (est. pop. 31,983), used a simple solution to address challenges with its homeless population: The city removed downtown park benches from sidewalks and moved them into storage. Problem solved? Not exactly. While the tactic does encourage problem residents to move on, taking away public seating doesn’t address the underlying causes of homelessness.…To read more — login/subscribe
The good news for America’s downtowns is that the U.S. economy has made a robust recovery from the pandemic. People are traveling, dining out, shopping, and otherwise going about their lives. The bad news? Downtown streets are once again overwhelmed with delivery trucks, rideshare vehicles, and side hustlers dropping off meals and groceries. In one…To read more — login/subscribe
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
While there are many rewards to be gained from downtown branding, misunderstandings about what branding is, and is not, can make these efforts less effective. Branding is not simply a matter of a new tag line, logo, or ad campaign; it is about accurately identifying and communicating a promise about the most valuable aspects of…Continue reading
…of the book cover: Principles of downtown development in small cities, Urban design and infrastructure redevelopment, Waterfront and brownfields redevelopment, Retail and commercial redevelopment. The book clearly shows that downtown revitalization works in small as well as in large cities, and that common principles apply…. Continue reading
Downtowns everywhere are trying to tap into the magic of creative placemaking. The goal is to foster a community where arts, culture, and entertainment (ACE) attract a cross-section of visitors. When the concept works, visitors have a great experience. Maybe it’s the downtown museum that keeps them coming back, or the live music scene, or…To read more — login/subscribe
