To draw the community into an ongoing conversation, the city of Hagerstown, MD, launched its engageHagerstown website. The city posts questions and moderates discussions about important topics that will shape the future of the downtown. The inaugural question was: “What’s your big idea for downtown?” That first question generated “a ton of feedback,” says Sarah…Continue reading
For many downtown leaders, the pandemic playbook included such moves as encouraging outdoor dining, creating pick-up zones, loosening rules around public consumption of alcohol, and otherwise supporting merchants through a tough time. In South Florida, the Miami Downtown Development Authority struck a more aggressive tone. In October 2020, the DDA launched its Follow the Sun…To read more — login/subscribe
Round three of the Downtown BC Placemakers Challenge is underway in Battle Creek, MI. The competition seeks to develop new leadership by funding downtown events and infrastructure projects. The events category seeks to fund “awesome projects that get people back together, engage them in their community, bring them downtown. These projects may be singular one-time…To read more — login/subscribe
The good news for America’s downtowns is that the U.S. economy has made a robust recovery from the pandemic. People are traveling, dining out, shopping, and otherwise going about their daily lives. The bad news? Downtown streets are once again overwhelmed with delivery trucks, rideshare vehicles, and side hustlers dropping off meals and groceries. The…Continue reading
In Albany, NY (est. pop. 96,860), an Interstate 787 off-ramp has been turned into a pedestrian park known as the Albany Skyway. The Skyway is also planned as a venue for entertainment, public art, food trucks, and pop-up shops. The Skyway, which connects the city’s downtown with a burgeoning Warehouse District, is the latest example…To read more — login/subscribe
Most of downtown Dayton, OH (est. pop. 137,581), has become an outdoor drinking district, a move downtown leaders say creates cultural vibrancy and economic vitality. The Dayton City Commission approved legislation in May that replaced the original Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) in the city’s entertainment hub, known as the Oregon District, with a new…To read more — login/subscribe
Innovative funding and the efforts of the Downtown Development Authority are transforming several bumpouts in Traverse City, MI. Last year, bumpouts at either end of one city center crosswalk were repurposed, with another set due to see improvements this summer. Spaces that formerly held trash receptacles and bike racks now offer public seating and a…Continue reading
Downtown leaders must find ways to help businesses through these tough times. Local governments and downtown organizations may be facing their own economic pressures, so increasing loan and grant money may not be an option. But reduced business fees, free peer counseling, help with advertising, and keeping business owners informed about funding sources can help.…Continue reading
A sidewalk sale in downtown Dayton, OH, brought out shoppers and hungry residents on a cool October day. The open-air event featured: • Outdoor merchandise displays • Downtown eateries with take-away food and drink specials, and outdoor patios • Roving entertainers including musicians and magicians • Local artisans selling their goods • Free, fall-themed coloring…To read more — login/subscribe
Amid a wave of mass shootings nationally, downtowns have been the locations of a number of unfortunate incidents. On New Year’s Eve 2022, one person was killed and nine were injured during a mass shooting during a concert in downtown Mobile, AL. Earlier in the year, seven people were injured in a shooting in downtown…To read more — login/subscribe
