In late 2023, Austin, TX (est. pop. 975,335), became the largest U.S. city to end parking requirements for new developments. During a nationwide housing shortage, proponents of eliminating parking requirements say the strategy gives developers the financial flexibility to build more housing units. Austin now allows developers of any type of project to build without…To read more — login/subscribe
For over twenty years, American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA) has worked to develop strong local economies by nurturing entrepreneurs and increasing local spending. The nonprofit may be best known for its series of shop local campaigns including Shop Black Owned Indie Local (February), Move Your Money/Bank Local (April), Independents Month (July), Eat Indie Local (August-September),…To read more — login/subscribe
With the new year, comes an increased focus on business retention in many city centers. This trend, noted in Downtown Idea Exchange’s annual outlook article, reflects both the challenges of recruitment and the greying of business owners in many areas.Baby Boomers are retiring says Patrice Frey, president and CEO of the National Main Street Center.…Continue reading
In Chicago and Reno, NV, downtown leaders are trying a new approach to homelessness. Instead of viewing homelessness as a criminal problem, these cities aim to guide troubled people toward solutions for their deep-seated issues. Both downtowns have hired social workers to work on the front lines. This new breed of downtown ambassadors is charged…To read more — login/subscribe
When downtown boosters in tiny Tionesta, PA (est. pop. 326), suggested activating a long-vacant lot by using garden sheds as outdoor kiosks, the reaction was mixed. Some wondered if downtown Tionesta would simply be home to a flea market. One wag derided the concept as “sheds on sleds.” Seven years later, the Tionesta Market Village…To read more — login/subscribe
Stockton, CA (est. pop. 310,476), has endured its share of struggles. The city filed for bankruptcy in the aftermath of the Great Recession, and its poverty rate of more than 19 percent is far above the state average. But downtown Stockton is on the mend, and its downtown is gaining momentum thanks to an unlikely…To read more — login/subscribe
In Dublin, GA (est. pop. 15,889), the city is using a land bank to take control of longabandoned buildings downtown. In Newburgh, NY (est. pop. 28,444), a land bank has rehabilitated dozens of dilapidated structures, many of which dated to the 1800s. And in Flint, MI (est. pop. 96,439), a land bank has demolished or…To read more — login/subscribe
A series of public art projects — including innovative lighting installations in formerly dreary underpasses — has helped Lynn, MA, shake off its malaise. In 2014, as part of a project to turn things around, the Massachusetts Development Finance Agency named the city as part of its Transformative Development Initiative. The state agency hosted a…Continue reading
A good plan will help revitalize a struggling downtown and sustain a successful one. This comprehensive book looks at all facets of planning for the traditional downtown or Main Street community. While the term downtown plan often brings to mind physical planning issues, author Philip L. Walker presents… Continue reading
