The January issue of Downtown Idea Exchange looks ahead to some of the challenges and opportunities that face downtown leaders in 2015. One of many important trends is an influx of millennials and baby boomers seeking urban living. This group is creating the most demand for downtown housing, as well as specific types of amenities,…Continue reading
When the University City District in Philadelphia wanted to convert surface parking to a place for pedestrians to sit, read, stroll, and otherwise enjoy the downtown, it started with data. Lots of data. Over time that data-driven approach has lead to The Porch at 30th Street Station becoming one of the most animated public spaces…Continue reading
A sun-roasted, unwelcoming stretch of sidewalk in downtown West Palm Beach, FL (est. pop. 110,219), is scheduled to get a “Shade Parade” made of six moving purple parasols. The city hired Montreal design firm Daily tous les jours to brainstorm ideas about a section of Quadrille Boulevard. The proposal: A system of aluminum umbrellas that…To read more — login/subscribe
Many cities set downtown parking rates and then forget about them for years. A few of the largest cities have embarked on ambitious parking plans that rely on wireless sensors and real-time data to adjust prices throughout the day. Seattle (est. pop. 724,764) chose a middle route. The city carefully studies parking patterns and then…To read more — login/subscribe
For the past 19 years, people have flocked to the annual Blueberry Festival in downtown Marquette, MI. The summertime favorite features sidewalk sales, food vendors, crafts, blueberry specials, pony rides, children’s activities, and inflatables. For 2020, the event was transformed from Blueberry Fest to Blueberry Quest. Starting the morning of Friday, July 31, 20 “blueberry”…To read more — login/subscribe
For the past 19 years, people have flocked to the annual Blueberry Festival in downtown Marquette, MI. The summertime favorite features sidewalk sales, food vendors, crafts, blueberry specials, pony rides, children’s activities, and inflatables. For 2020, the event was transformed from Blueberry Fest to Blueberry Quest. Starting the morning of Friday, July 31, 20 "blueberry"…Continue reading
In an effort to attract grocery stores to underserved areas of the city, Wilmington, NC, is considering banning some discount stores. As the local Port City Daily reports, the move follows the lead of several larger cities that have limited stores, such as Dollar General and Family Dollar, in the hopes of attracting full-service grocery…To read more — login/subscribe
Push for 15 mph speed limits gains momentum — In an effort to reduce pedestrian fatalities, Virginia lawmakers passed a bill that would allow municipalities to drop speed limits in business districts as low as 15 mph. Read the Governors Highway Safety Association report.
...Most mayors expect pedestrian-friendly changes to prove temporary — The COVID-19 pandemic led cities to reshape their urban landscapes. According to research by Boston University’s Initiative on Cities, the transformation of city streets appears unlikely to last. See Boston University’s report here. ...
Retail village boosts local economy — Kuna, ID, will launch a retail market village in June. The village will consist of 12 small shops in re-purposed garden sheds. Read the archive article, “Outdoor kiosks breathe new life into long-dormant space.” ...
Many downtown leaders fight a constant battle against litter and graffiti. The Downtown Denver Business Improvement District has a novel approach. Last year the BID launched an app that lets residents and visitors take photos of eyesores. The app, known as Downtown Denver Clean and Safe, then pinpoints the coordinates of the problem area and…To read more — login/subscribe
Now, more than ever, downtown leaders are turning to Downtown Idea Exchange for practical news, in-depth information, and concrete examples of how cities and towns are improving physical, social, and economic conditions downtown. As a regular reader, you’ll discover how they are tackling tough challenges like… Continue reading
