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
As New York City begins to slowly reopen, a new issue is emerging: public urination. More and more New Yorkers are taking to the streets and public parks with to-go cocktails and beers, iced drinks, and water bottles. With restrooms at restaurants, bars, and coffee shops closed, public urination is on the rise says the…To read more — login/subscribe
In many downtowns, farmers markets provide important activity. These weekly or monthly events generate spending, create connections with local businesses, address food deserts, and increase foot traffic. A downtown need not be part of a thriving metropolis to reap the rewards of a farmers market. Towns with populations as small as 3,000 are benefiting from…To read more — login/subscribe
By one measure, electric scooters have been a clear hit in Pittsburgh, PA (est. pop. 300,281). In the two months after the city launched service in July 2021, scooter operator Spin sold more than 150,000 rides. However, Pittsburgh’s program also brought complaints familiar to every city that has tried to embrace a new era of…To read more — login/subscribe
In a trend that continues to vex downtown leaders and landlords, many office workers have shifted to working from home, either full time or a few days a week. “Even now, 42 percent of workers work from home full-time. Others only go in a few days a week,” Vanessa Quijano, director of communication for NJ…To read more — login/subscribe
The 47-mile Pinellas Trail, is connecting communities and boosting local economies along the west central coast of Florida. While some communities were hesitant to have the trail pass through their city centers, others saw opportunities and positioned themselves to become a vital part of the trail system, says Lynn Wargo, president of the Dunedin Chamber…Continue reading
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
A wide range of downtown projects have been funded through the National Endowment for the Arts Our Town grants. The creative placemaking grants support projects that “integrate arts, culture, and design activities into efforts that strengthen communities by advancing local economic, physical, and/or social outcomes.” These projects require a partnership between a local government entity…To read more — login/subscribe
It’s natural for downtown leaders to celebrate new businesses. But experienced economic developers say you shouldn’t forget the businesses that have been downtown for years. These businesses embody the community’s character, create unique experiences, and serve as inspiration for other business owners. That’s the motivation behind a new wave of “legacy” business programs aimed at…To read more — login/subscribe
