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
Because little people usually require big people to drive them, supervise them, and pay their way, children’s events are a popular way to bring families downtown. Cities nationwide are adding an array of children’s programming to downtown calendars in an effort to attract those families. Some efforts include folding children’s activities into existing events, while…Continue reading
…every community. He explores the scope and dynamics of place branding, and provides a step-by-step process to research, define, and deploy a winning brand strategy. He explains how to create a unifying overarching place brand to embrace tourism, economic development and community pride. And he demonstrates how to bring… Continue reading
…ways to change how your organization works, including its mission, culture, and structure 40 ways to involve more people in solving your problem, including other nonprofits, businesses, the community, and the government. Detailed worksheets, examples, and a step-by-step format provide ideas and guidance for organizations needing to move quickly…. Continue reading
Ambitious operators are embracing the growing concept of ghost kitchens. In one example, REEF Technology of Miami, FL, has amassed 5,000 urban locations nationally. In another, the former CEO of Uber launched CloudKitchens and has invested more than $100 million on sites in two dozen cities. These kitchens are essentially restaurants without the dining space.…To read more — login/subscribe
City officials in Oxnard, CA (est. pop. 208,875), searched extensively for a site to build the city’s second homeless shelter. The city examined 21 possible sites, but every one of those properties met with resistance from local residents. Eventually, the city approved construction of a five-story, $34 million facility on a city-owned lot across the…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. In one…Continue reading
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
Food tourism continues to grow Traveling to a destination specifically for its food and beverages is on the rise. The World Food Travel Association defines food tourism as “Traveling for a taste of place to get a sense of place.” In 2019, the global culinary tourism market was valued at $1.1 billion and is projected…To read more — login/subscribe
For decades, urban planners have criticized one-way streets. The traffic flow is unsafe for pedestrians and unhelpful to merchants, they say. The critique is beginning to resonate — a growing number of cities are rethinking their traffic patterns. Atlanta, GA, Louisville, KY, and Cincinnati, OH, are among the cities converting one-way streets to two-way travel.…To read more — login/subscribe
