In Kansas City, MO, an asphalt art project transformed a tricky intersection making it less hazardous for pedestrians. In Saginaw, MI, a public art initiative sought to bridge a long-simmering racial divide. Both projects were funded by the Bloomberg Philanthropies Asphalt Art Initiative. The grant program gives up to $25,000 per locale for visual art…To read more — login/subscribe
A series of public art projects — including an innovative lighting installation in a formerly dreary underpasses — has helped Lynn, MA (est. pop. 94,300), shake off its malaise. The initiative, known as Lynn Lights, garnered media attention and won praise from groups such as the Center for Community Progress. Lynn was once known as…To read more — login/subscribe
The coronavirus recession has devastated independent restaurateurs, but it hasn’t stopped the spread of commercial kitchens, those facilities that serve as co-working spaces for food trucks, caterers, and other food producers. Commercial kitchens are coming to downtown Orangeburg, SC (est. pop. 13,120), Oak Creek, WI (est. pop. 35,843), and other locations. Orangeburg City Council recently…To read more — login/subscribe
…the discussion of transportation safety. It explores the policy changes needed for a successful complete streets program, and it discusses how to get the process started. Completing Our Streets shares stories from places big and small that are adopting a complete streets approach to all of their transportation projects…. Continue reading
Since 2017 AARP has been distributing millions of dollars through its AARP Community Challenge grant program. The money goes to a variety of projects nationwide. Recent recipients have included a project to turn a closed motel into a homeless shelter in Pueblo, CO, a downtown game station in Opelika, AL, and efforts to refurbish downtown…To read more — login/subscribe
In Winnipeg, MB (est. pop. 750,000), downtown cleanups are a community effort. This year, nearly 700 people turned out for the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ’s Downtown Spring CleanUp. “This annual event is more than just picking up litter, it is an opportunity to come together as a diverse and vibrant group of community members, business…To read more — login/subscribe
If your downtown struggles with a bad reputation, don’t fight it — embrace it — Crime, panhandling, a lack of parking, graffiti — many city centers battle challenges to their reputations. How to respond? Savvy downtown marketers say the best approach is to swallow your pride and fully acknowledge your issues — preferably with a bit of self-effacing humor. See the BuzzFeed post, The 10 best drugs coming out of Baltimore.
...Diversity, demographics will be driving forces for downtown development, study says — Demographic trends create both tailwinds and new challenges for downtown development, according to the 2020 Global Trends Report by Progressive Urban Management Associates and the International Downtown Association. ...
Pop-up retail fills vacancies, enlivens streetscape — By providing small spaces to startup retailers for free, Downtown Memphis has helped incubate such businesses as a reseller of collectible sneakers and a purveyor of custom soaps. View the Open on Main guidelines. ...
Volunteer management best practices — Read the Michigan Main Street Association volunteer tool kit. ...
To complement Downtown New Jersey’s state-specific news and advocacy, members also receive a 25% discount on Downtown Idea Exchange newsletter. It will be your source for nationwide news, information, and examples of how downtowns of all sizes are reopening, repositioning, and moving forward. Learn more about Downtown Idea Exchange and how it will deepen your resources and complement your…To read more — login/sign up
18 year old festival is re-branded The South Carolina Pecan Festival went on a brief hiatus as the Covid-19 pandemic shuttered much of downtown Florence, NC. Event planners and staff took advantage of the break to assess the event’s purpose, strengths, and weaknesses. This led to re-branding the event, developing a new name, logo, website,…To read more — login/subscribe
