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
In addition to a full schedule of daily, weekly, and seasonal marketing efforts, special situations often arise that call for a major overhaul or a minor tweak. A major overhaul was needed recently in High Point, NC, where the city spent months updating its dusty and out-of-date branding. Meanwhile, in Indianapolis, IN, a quick response…To read more — login/subscribe
The nationwide housing shortage has spurred many downtowns to remove parking minimums. It’s a shift that encourages development by reducing the costs of new housing while also promising to make communities more pedestrian-friendly. California recently abolished minimum parking requirements for new real estate development projects near public transit. La Mesa, CA (est. pop. 61,040), is…To read more — login/subscribe
Providing incubator space for start-up businesses is a trend that will grow stronger as those first start-ups attain independence and fill downtown vacancies, says Michael Burayidi, in an article in the May issue of Downtown Idea Exchange newsletter. Burayidi, chair of the Ball State University Department of Urban Planning, notes that, "What will help in…Continue reading
A new mural trail being created in Stockton, CA, is strategically designed to encourage people to take selfies and share them on social media. The project will eventually feature 15 giant "postcards" at sites intended to draw pedestrians through the city center while also providing education about local history and culture. "People don’t really buy…Continue reading
Northampton, MA. Northampton, MA, is working through an overhaul of zoning rules that would bring a form-based code to downtown and an adjacent neighborhood. It’s a step that’s gaining popularity nationwide as proponents of "missing middle" housing call for more flexibility in the types of property uses cities allow in and near downtowns — and…Continue reading
Free parking is the downtown amenity that urban purists love to hate. On the other hand, paid parking is the toll that downtown merchants despise. Alex MacLachlan of the Escondido Downtown Business Association is in the latter group. When the city council in Escondido, CA (est. pop. 151,619), proposed charging for parking at the city’s…To read more — login/subscribe
With the new year, comes an increased focus on business retention in many city centers. This trend, noted in Downtown Idea Exchange’s annual outlook article, reflects both the challenges of recruitment and the greying of business owners in many areas.Baby Boomers are retiring says Patrice Frey, president and CEO of the National Main Street Center.…Continue reading
Louisville Downtown Partnership launched a multi-pronged advertising campaign in February. The goal is to drive community support for the downtown district. “Downtown is critical to the success of the community as a whole, so to remind people we’re here, and ready to welcome them back as soon as they are ready to come back, we’re…To read more — login/subscribe
Roger Brooks relishes the opportunity to visit a downtown for the first time. By casting a fresh, critical eye on the business district, Brooks, a branding and tourism expert, can find many areas for improvement. Sometimes he spots a conspicuous lack of benches along downtown pathways and in public spaces. He might recommend sprucing up…To read more — login/subscribe
