The COVID-19 pandemic forced many downtowns to rethink their outdoor spaces. By summer, downtown leaders had adapted — vacant lots, sidewalks, and even streets gave way to al fresco dining. Now, though, the changing of the seasons will present a new challenge: Are downtown visitors willing to sit outside when the weather turns cold? "Everybody…Continue reading
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
City monitors waste, installs receptacles The Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District, marked a new phase of its placemaking and beautification action plan with the installation of dog waste stations and cigarette disposal receptacles. The initiative seeks to keep streets and sidewalks clean while bringing attention to important quality of life issues in the Massachusetts city.…To read more — login/subscribe
In Fort Myers, FL (est. pop. 87,111), the city council recently voted to grant $11 million in tax-increment financing (TIF) to the developer of a downtown project with 274 apartment units and 467 parking spaces. In Kalispell, MT (est. pop. 23,241), the city is considering TIF money for a proposed downtown hotel with 79 rooms…To read more — login/subscribe
In an effort to bring new technology to historic downtowns, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul launched DRIve EV Downtown. The program brings fast-charging stations for electric vehicles to downtowns in New York that are revitalizing and developing. The first stations will be installed in Amsterdam, NY (est. pop. 17,836). Next up are downtowns in Utica,…To read more — login/subscribe
With several portable toilets on the verge of being removed from service, the City of Columbus, OH, came through with $51,000 in funding to maintain the toilets and keep them open. That temporary reprieve will be followed by a more permanent solution, as Columbus has earmarked funds to install several free-standing bathrooms downtown. Early in…To read more — login/subscribe
During a trip to the Gulf Coast, Main Street Alabama President Mary Helmer Wirth stopped by a popular bar in Fort Walton Beach, FL. She was struck by the way the establishment combined shipping container buildings and outdoor seating in an inviting way. That visit sparked an idea: What if Alabama’s downtowns could find a…To read more — login/subscribe
Four downtowns in Alabama are using repurposed shipping containers to spur new business start ups. The idea is to provide free rent to local entrepreneurs so they can test their concepts before committing to costlier permanent space. "It’s big enough to get started, but small enough to get uncomfortable quickly," says Main Street Alabama President…Continue reading
Many downtowns offer gift certificates or custom currency that can be redeemed with local eateries and merchants. The offerings are typically limited to a handful of locally owned cafés, restaurants, and gift shops. But in Thomasville, GA (est. pop. 18,539), Downtown Dollars are so widely used that a consumer might be able to survive on…To read more — login/subscribe
Downtown leaders face a parking conundrum. On the one hand, urbanists have long preached that cities underprice parking at the expense of pedestrianism. Yet visitors and merchants often hate any hint of rising parking prices and more expensive parking tickets. Add to the mix, hourly downtown workers, grappling with inflation, and it’s more difficult than…To read more — login/subscribe
