In an effort to bring shoppers downtown and compete with nearby areas, a Canadian improvement district dusted off a classic downtown retail promotion and added some aggressive marketing techniques. The Glebe Spree, hosted by the Glebe Business Improvement Area (BIA) of Ottawa, ON, Canada, is a program that runs from November 15 through December 31.…To read more — login/subscribe
In January, Smyrna, GA (est. pop. 56,628), approved the sale of nearly an acre of downtown land to brewery owners — but only after a long fight. The city council voted 5-2 to let the Downtown Development Authority sell 0.94 acres of undeveloped property to StillFire Brewing for $600,000. StillFire, which operates a brewery in…To read more — login/subscribe
The 2024 Main Street Trends Survey from Main Street America offers insights into the budgets, salaries, and issues that Main Street programs are facing. When asked to identify their biggest challenges, executive directors came up with a three-way tie: Not enough variety of businesses, poorly maintained buildings, and inconsistent store hours were each cited by 31 percent…Continue reading
St. Paul, MN (est. pop. 306,604), has long faced perceptions that its downtown is unsafe. The St. Paul Downtown Alliance has made strides on that front with an inexpensive makeover of downtown trash bins. St. Paul’s sidewalks are lined with decades-old concrete containers. Over the years, the garbage receptacles have been covered with graffiti. The…To read more — login/subscribe
When St. Petersburg, FL (est. pop. 265,358), installed a gay pride streetscape in 2020, it started something of a trend in the Sunshine State. City officials in Delray Beach (est. pop. 69,449) liked the concept so much that they copied it. So did Boynton Beach (est. pop. 78,690). Inspired by St. Petersburg’s streetscape — a…To read more — login/subscribe
Every successful urban district struggles with parking — how to provide enough spaces, how to price those spaces properly, how to enforce violations. In his book Walkable City Rules, city planner and urban designer Jeff Speck offers some contrarian advice about parking. Downtown leaders need to stop serving the parking monster, and instead make parking…To read more — login/subscribe
Downtown Mesquite, TX (est. pop. 142,874), positions itself as a destination for authentic local flavor. But the small business owners who contribute to the historic heart of the city don’t always have a sophisticated grasp of business management or how to tap into the resources that will help them succeed. To address this reality head-on,…To read more — login/subscribe
Bike patrols increase In April the Philadelphia Center City District (CCD) announced that it would expand its downtown bike patrol program. Bike patrols have been operating in the city center since late 2020 as part of a larger citywide initiative focused on public safety. The patrols operate from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven day…To read more — login/subscribe
The City of Santa Monica, CA, acted quickly to make it easier for new and existing businesses to open as the city recovers from the pandemic. “We’re creating opportunities and eliminating barriers for existing and new businesses alike, while retaining the thoughtful process that protects our community values,” says Mayor Kevin McKeown. The changes will…To read more — login/subscribe
As Americans become more focused on fitness and the environment, commuters, as well as recreationalists, are learning the value of pedal power. As a result, projects to boost bike-centric amenities in city centers are flourishing. This month Downtown Idea Exchange newsletter looks at bike share programs, making way for bikes on city-center streets, and facilities for…Continue reading
