Chicago’s downtown district and its North Side are thriving, but its South and West sides continue to struggle. In response, Mayor Lori Lightfoot kicked off Invest South/West, a three-year plan that seeks to invest $750 million in dormant and struggling retail areas in 10 neighborhoods, including Austin, Auburn Gresham, New City, and Bronzeville. The city’s…To read more — login/subscribe
Downtown re-opening event Local Palooza was created to welcome the community back to outdoor, in-person gatherings while supporting downtown Lafayette, LA’s arts and small business community. The free event featured continuous live entertainment in and around downtown’s Parc Sans Souci as well as local vendors from the Louisiana Crafts Guild, and food and beverages for…To read more — login/subscribe
With the US economy increasingly driven by the tech sector, a growing number of downtown leaders in mid-sized cities are looking for ways to spur innovation in their cities. One example is in Fort Wayne, IN (est. pop. 263,814), where a rusting manufacturing hub has been transformed into an innovation district. Another case study is…To read more — login/subscribe
Even before the pandemic, owners of aging office buildings were struggling to lure tenants and bolster rental rates. When the COVID-19 pandemic spurred a glut of office space and a shortage of housing, that trend accelerated. Now, downtowns across the country are seeing older office buildings convert to residential space — a welcome trend for…To read more — login/subscribe
Strong, effective leadership is essential to bringing ideas and people together for community and economic development. In The Community Leadership Handbook, author James F. Krile provides the tools every community leader needs, no matter what their formal title or training. Based on the Blandin Foundation’s 20-years of… Continue reading
The city center in Kansas City, MO (est. pop. 491,158), has experienced “vast improvements” over the past two decades, says Bill Dietrich, president and chief executive officer of the Downtown Council of Kansas City. In an attempt to build on that momentum, Dietrich spearheaded a sweeping proposal that calls for even more changes in the…To read more — login/subscribe
Wheeling, WV (est. pop. 27,062), was recently recognized by the Preservation Alliance of West Virginia for its façade grant program. Here’s a rundown of how the program works. First, applicants must submit the following information to the city: • Completed application See the complete façade improvement program guidelines. • Photographs of existing façade • Plans…To read more — login/subscribe
Summertime adventure pass Eau Claire, WI’s destination marketing group is encouraging visitors and locals to discover some of the many local sites with an adventure pass. The 26 locations featured on the pass include several downtown spots such as the Eau Claire Downtown Farmers Market and downtown’s Sculpture Tour. Participants download the mobile pass and…To read more — login/subscribe
In Kansas City, MO, an asphalt art project transformed a tricky intersection making it less hazardous for pedestrians. In Saginaw, MI, a public art initiative sought to bridge a long-simmering racial divide. Both projects were funded by the Bloomberg Philanthropies Asphalt Art Initiative. The grant program gives up to $25,000 per locale for visual art…To read more — login/subscribe
