Despite streetcar construction in downtown Tempe, AZ, intrepid visitors donned hard hats and enjoyed all that the city center has to offer. Each week the Tempe Downtown Authority gave away 100 reusable yellow hard hats imprinted with the association logo. People wearing hard hats could claim an hour of free parking as well as specials…To read more — login/subscribe
As the coronavirus pandemic closed downtowns across North America, downtown Detroit’s biggest landlord tried something different. Bedrock, a major property owner in the struggling city’s commercial core, told tenants it wouldn’t collect their rent. The most generous rent forgiveness terms go to small businesses, while bigger companies can get smaller breaks. "It is going to…Continue reading
The coronavirus pandemic could permanently close millions of small businesses, including some that occupy storefronts in your downtown. With many downtowns all but closed for business, the restaurants, bars, and beauty salons that form the backbone of many commercial corridors face an existential threat. See the full report from the Main Street America survey. Of…To read more — login/subscribe
America’s densest city is also a terrifying place to be a cyclist. New York City experienced 28 cycling fatalities in 2019, the highest number in recent years. A regional planning group has a proposal for making New York City a more welcoming place for bikes. In its Five Boroughs Bikeway proposal, Regional Plan Association lays…To read more — login/subscribe
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…To read more — login/subscribe
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
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 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
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
