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 Moline, IL (est. pop. 41,920), the city council this spring approved spending $214,000 on a system of video surveillance cameras for 16 locations downtown. Downtown merchants welcomed the new security measure, Geoff Manis, manager of Moline Centre Main Street, told KWQC television. “There’s been a big uptick in car thefts and individuals breaking into…To read more — login/subscribe
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
…cons Reaping big benefits from small-scale placemaking Creating a pipeline of start-up businesses Using food trucks to combat crime Getting more from your gift card program Supporting retail with free delivery service, recruitment referral program, more. Here’s how it works – for you, and your team When you subscribe… Continue reading
This free e-newsletter brings you the same high-quality information available in Downtown Idea Exchange in a brief email format. Twice each month, you’ll get quick-reading ideas that are sure to spark new thinking, action, and improvement in your downtown. You’ll find: Current thinking and action on improving… Continue reading
Dance, yoga, CrossFit, and more are enlivening public spaces in downtowns across North America. In one example, the Waterfront Partnership in Baltimore, MD, offers a Waterfront Wellness Series on weekend mornings from late May through late September, which includes free yoga, boot camp, CrossFit, and Zumba. “I think a lot of us have gym memberships,…Continue reading
The city of Houghton, MI, is determined to meet two goals each winter: keeping walkways clear and comfortable, and creating as many fun, outdoor events as possible. "We try to keep things walkable for folks," says City Manager Eric Waara. And, in addition to plowing the streets, the city provides outdoor "winter harbors," areas where…Continue reading
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
Most downtowns host the usual array of events — fireworks on the Fourth of July, a tree lighting ceremony for the holidays, and perhaps a restaurant week. But often the most successful efforts are unique, home-grown events that resonate with locals and attract non-locals. A careful look at a community’s history, industry, and foods will…To read more — login/subscribe
