Albuquerque, NM, is trying a novel approach to quelling crime in a problematic area downtown: It’s bringing in food trucks. Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller has labeled two parking lots on Central Avenue as "drivers of crime." To address the issues there, the city plans a "food truck corral" that will operate on Friday and Saturday…Continue reading
A concept born from desperation offers inspiration for downtown leaders grappling with the pandemic. In tiny Tionesta, PA, a long-vacant lot was transformed into an outdoor shopping experience and business incubator using garden sheds. The project started during a 2012 meeting of the Forest County Industrial Development Corp. and the Forest County Industrial & Commercial…Continue reading
When the coronavirus closed downtown Wilmington, NC (est. pop. 122,610), for business, Ed Wolverton thought back to the city’s hurricane of 2018. In the aftermath of that disaster, he telegraphed the message that downtown was open for business. In this latest shock, he delivered the same news, but with a twist. Wolverton, president and chief…To read more — login/subscribe
Since the coronavirus swept the United States in March, naysayers have been calling for the death of density. The script has played out that way, at least in part: Newspapers have been filled with tales of big city residents fleeing for the suburbs. But many urbanists say it’s far too soon to write the obituary…To read more — login/subscribe
The summer kicked off with record-breaking heat across much of the U.S. In the Southwest and Southeast, the “feels-like” temperatures soared well above 100 degrees in July. For downtown leaders, the oppressive temperatures complicated plans for outdoor events — and they served as a reminder that cities need to start planning for intense heat. While…To read more — login/subscribe
The little town of North Bend, WA (est. pop. 6,983), enacted a form-based code for its downtown in June, making it the latest municipality to embrace this type of zoning. Earlier this year, Fort Smith, AR (est. pop. 87,895), approved a form-based code for its downtown. That city’s zoning changes, which aim to make downtown…To read more — login/subscribe
America’s densest city is also a terrifying place to be a cyclist. New York City experienced 28 cycling fatalities in 2019, the highest number in recent years. A regional planning group has a proposal for making New York City a more welcoming place for bikes. In its Five Boroughs Bikeway proposal, Regional Plan Association lays…To read more — login/subscribe
A2AC Murals brings large, vibrant works of art to the public in Ann Arbor and South East Michigan. 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 get out and get involved with the public…Continue reading
The Flatiron District in Manhattan is home to dozens of restaurants, bakeries, and cafĂ©s. Despite the wide range of options, diners needed a little extra push to order food for delivery or pick-up during the pandemic. The solution: Offer a year of free meals. The contest was simple, participants enjoy a meal from their favorite…To read more — login/subscribe
In downtown Little Rock, AR (est. pop. 197,868), the Interstate 30 bridge across the Arkansas River grows congested at every rush hour. The Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department responded with a predictable solution: It has embarked on a massive widening of the roadway from six lanes to 12 lanes. The bridge connects downtown Little Rock…To read more — login/subscribe
