In San Diego, CA (est. pop. 1,414,515), a decades-long experiment to revitalize a long-neglected community has made notable progress. In one unusual turnaround strategy, the family foundation that has invested heavily in the region sold shares of a now-bustling retail center to local residents. After decades of effort, the area is showing signs of improvement.…To read more — login/subscribe
It’s a challenge for cities of all sizes: What to do with the outdated warehouses and abandoned factories on the fringes of the core commercial district? In Houston, a group of entrepreneurs has an intriguing solution. Developers hope to transform the city’s East End into a walkable, mixed-use district. While the area has welcomed new…To read more — login/subscribe
In Millburn-Short Hills, NJ, Restaurant Week has turned into a springtime traffic driver. The event debuted in March 2023, then returned in March 2024. Restaurant Week is organized by Explore Millburn-Short Hills, a special improvement district, and involves some 40 restaurants and boutiques offering 60 specials. Steve Grillo, executive director of Explore Millburn-Short Hills, says…Continue reading
Starting in July, diners and shoppers in downtown Nashville, TN (est. pop. 692,587), will pay a bit more for burgers and T-shirts. Tennessee lawmakers and the Nashville Metro Council approved an increase in the downtown sales tax rate to 9.75 percent from 9.5 percent. The tax increase will generate $2.4 million to be spent on…To read more — login/subscribe
Planning new parking capacity in your downtown? It’s hard to know how much to invest, given the rapid changes in vehicle technology and the fast rise of ride-sharing companies. Some cities are moving ahead with cost-intensive parking garages anyway. And some prognosticators are advising against any investment in parking. Who’s right? Parking expert Mary Smith…To read more — login/subscribe
Crokicurl: A new downtown activity Memorial Square in Prince Albert, Sask., Canada, is drawing visitors downtown on even the coldest days. They are there to play crokicurl and maybe to linger for a warm drink and a little shopping. The Prince Albert BID explains this odd sounding activity: “Crokicurl is the brainchild of Public City…To read more — login/subscribe
…a vibrant startup community The attributes of leadership in a startup community that can help it thrive along with the classic problems any community will face during development The importance of a university in a startup community How large companies can engage effectively with entrepreneurs. The importance of continuous improvement… Continue reading
