Bike libraries — a concept that lets people check out bicycles like books or DVDs — are popping up across the country. A list of U.S. bike lending libraries curated by StreetsblogMASS includes nearly three dozen programs, located in states such as Massachusetts, Ohio, Texas, and Vermont. Some of the programs offer access to e-bikes,…To read more — login/subscribe
When Antioch, IL (est. pop. 14,705), wanted to breathe new life into its downtown, the small city hired All Together, a Chicago-based marketing firm. All Together worked with Antioch to highlight the town’s unique history. In one initiative, All Together added “ghost signs” to half a dozen longtime businesses. In another initiative, the marketing company…To read more — login/subscribe
The Live it Up Wausau program in Wausau, WI, seeks to attract employees to the area and give them reasons to stay. "This fits under a broad heading of employee-assisted housing or economic development homesteading," says Christian Schock, the city’s director of planning, community, and economic development. "These are programs that help employees become more…Continue reading
A sidewalk sale in downtown Dayton, OH, brought out shoppers and hungry residents on a cool October day. The open-air event featured: • Outdoor merchandise displays • Downtown eateries with take-away food and drink specials, and outdoor patios • Roving entertainers including musicians and magicians • Local artisans selling their goods • Free, fall-themed coloring…To read more — login/subscribe
As part of a redevelopment of their downtowns, two mid-sized cities are making an unusual move: They’re giving up the traditional model of a city-owned parcel housing City Hall. Instead, the cities are spurring downtown redevelopment projects by partnering with private developers. In the process, they’re moving city administrative offices into mixed-use developments. The cities…To read more — login/subscribe
By securing the right space and offering a creative mix of programs, events, and office amenities, the Alliance for Downtown New York shows the way to draw entrepreneurs downtown. Co-working spaces, which provide access to office equipment, support, and networking opportunities, were a relatively new concept in the city when the Hive at 55 opened.…Continue reading
Historic buildings enhance the charm of any downtown. They create an undeniable sense of place. But maintaining, restoring, and reusing historic structures can be an expensive and complicated undertaking. To help with the challenges of historic preservation, there’s an array of funding sources, partnerships, and tax credits available to property owners and downtown leaders. The…To read more — login/subscribe
Electric bicycle sales and shared e-bike rentals are on the rise around the country — Leaving transportation officials and policymakers struggling to keep up with the sudden popularity of a new form of transit that wasn’t envisioned when streets were designed and built. In one example of the boom, shared e-bike trips nearly doubled from…To read more — login/subscribe
To overcome negative perceptions that might discourage new residents, the city of Dundalk, MD, launched a branding campaign backed by an ambitious public engagement process, and featuring a new website, media partnerships, public events, incentives for home purchases, and more. Central to the program was a housing and neighborhood tour hosted by the Dundalk Renaissance…Continue reading
Planning new parking capacity in your downtown? It’s hard to know how much to invest, given the rapid changes in vehicle technology and the fast rise of ride-sharing companies. Some cities are moving ahead with cost-intensive parking garages anyway. And some prognosticators are advising against any investment in parking. Who’s right? Parking expert Mary Smith…To read more — login/subscribe
