How transit authorities can make the commute safe: • Work with employers to change work hours. Rush hour and social distancing are incompatible, so transit officials have been lobbying employers to stagger workers’ schedules. • Spread the crowds. Many transit agencies have cut passenger limits but added train cars, a move that allows passengers to…To read more — login/subscribe
As staff began returning to work at their offices, the Milwaukee Downtown BID #21 launched a program aimed at garnering support for downtown restaurants. The Comeback Cuisine initiative encourages companies to purchase boxed lunches for their employees as a “welcome back” or “thank you” for their continued service. The BID’s goal is to generate the…To read more — login/subscribe
When it comes to radically changing the downtown streetscape and creating compelling attractions, it doesn’t get much easier than inflatables. Turn-key event producers offer giant inflatable waterslides, obstacle courses, and even public art installations. In February, Osuna Park in Peoria, AZ, welcomed the illuminated inflatable "Light at Play: An Interactive Art Experience." The six-piece display…Continue reading
In 2013, leaders of Main Street Marshfield, in Marshfield, WI, wanted to bring a bakery downtown. Rather than traditional business recruitment techniques, the Main Street program hosted the Baker Battles. Bakers from the surrounding area competed in a bake-off with a prize of $500 and a grant if they opened a downtown bakery in the…Continue reading
A wide range of downtown projects have been funded through the National Endowment for the Arts Our Town grants. The creative placemaking grants support projects that “integrate arts, culture, and design activities into efforts that strengthen communities by advancing local economic, physical, and/or social outcomes.” These projects require a partnership between a local government entity…To read more — login/subscribe
Rochester, NY (est. pop. 209,325), is the rare municipality of its size without a business improvement district (BID). City officials are trying to change that, but they’re running into resistance from community members who question the very legitimacy of BIDs. The proposal to form a BID in Rochester has powerful backers. Supporters include Rochester Mayor…To read more — login/subscribe
Making the most of downtown’s murals A2AC Murals brings large, vibrant works of art to the public in Ann Arbor and the South East Michigan area. The program is run by the Ann Arbor Art Center and funded through Patronicity and a matching grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. The center encourages people to…To read more — login/subscribe
For many downtown leaders, the pandemic playbook included such moves as encouraging outdoor dining, creating pick-up zones, loosening rules around public consumption of alcohol, and otherwise supporting merchants through a tough time. In South Florida, the Miami Downtown Development Authority struck a more aggressive tone. In October 2020, the DDA launched its Follow the Sun…To read more — login/subscribe
Round three of the Downtown BC Placemakers Challenge is underway in Battle Creek, MI. The competition seeks to develop new leadership by funding downtown events and infrastructure projects. The events category seeks to fund “awesome projects that get people back together, engage them in their community, bring them downtown. These projects may be singular one-time…To read more — login/subscribe
