While a tree lighting, caroling, and holiday sales attract visitors, they happen only on certain days throughout the holiday season. However, an attractive holiday light display can be activated in mid-November and add to the festive atmosphere and drawing power of downtown every evening through January. One of the best-known examples of this type ofā¦Continue reading
Because little people usually require big people to drive them, supervise them, and pay their way, childrenās events are a popular way to bring families downtown. Cities nationwide are adding an array of childrenās programming to downtown calendars in an effort to attract those families. Some efforts include folding childrenās activities into existing events, whileā¦Continue reading
Since 2011, the town of Flower Mound, TX, has conducted a Retail & Restaurant Survey every other year. The results are used to ensure that residents have input into the type of downtown they want, recruit new businesses, explore consumer leakage, and educate the public about why certain retail and restaurant wishes are not realistic.ā¦Continue reading
The Minneapolis regionās light rail transit is expanding and plans to begin serving Hopkins, MN (est. pop. 18,300), in 2023. Downtown leaders in Hopkins welcome the new train line, which transit officials expect to carry 34,000 riders a day. But Hopkins also has a challenge: The Green Line Extension of the light rail service willā¦To read more — login/subscribe
…issues?” The first part of the book shows you how to involve business, government, and other nonprofits to solve problems together. In the process, you’ll be making new connections, creating buy-in, and bringing new partners to the table. The second part of this unique guide gives you a… Continue reading
New Orleansā French Quarter was once the rare entertainment district that allowed revelers to drink while they strolled public streets. However, many small cities not known as party towns are getting in on the act. City officials and downtown leaders see the new wave of public consumption districts as a way to draw visitors backā¦Continue reading
The summer kicked off with triple-digit temperatures in the Pacific Northwest. It was a record heat wave in an area not accustomed to high mercury readings. John Pattison, a content manager with Strong Towns saw the intense heat as a reminder of an unfortunate reality: Thereās just not enough shade in many cities, and certainlyā¦To read more — login/subscribe
Electric scooter rentals continue to grow in popularity in downtowns. But in many cases, the rollout has been chaotic. Downtown merchants and residents complain about disorderly parking and groups of young joyriders. Most startlingly, riders have died of injuries suffered while using the scooters. All of that has led some cities to tighten regulations. Inā¦To read more — login/subscribe
Itās natural for downtown leaders to celebrate new businesses. But experienced economic developers say you shouldnāt forget the businesses that have been downtown for years. These businesses embody the communityās character, create unique experiences, and serve as inspiration for other business owners. Thatās the motivation behind a new wave of "legacy" business programs. In oneā¦Continue reading
