Many cities try to improve their downtowns through master plans, hoping that grand projects will draw residents and customers into the city core. But this often fails because truly strong, attractive downtowns form through incremental development.
Read MoreLocal activists in Selma, NC, started small, but they’ve grown into a coalition of citizens, civic groups, and city leaders striving to improve housing, transportation, and the local economy.
Read MoreA collection of historic photos helped this advocate show how urban renewal marred his hometown, and left an inhospitable mess in its wake.
Read MoreHere’s a grounded look at why an elevated walkway didn’t do as much to save downtown Morristown, TN, as residents once hoped.
Read MoreSearching for a place where people work together and things actually get done? Look no further than Jasper, IN, where a gorgeous downtown renovation serves as an example of a place that’s “built by many hands.”
Read MoreDreaming of big goals for the year can be fun, but it’s also necessary to think of the small steps needed to reach those goals. Similarly, cities need to consider the small things they need to do to achieve long-term prosperity.
Read MoreGreat ideas are great, but context determines application.
Read MoreWhen a vital commuter route was scheduled for a 90-day closure, this city made the most of the situation by encouraging would-be commuters to spend time in downtown, instead.
Read MoreOn this episode of the Strong Towns Podcast, author Tristan Cleveland goes in depth about why cities struggle to retrofit their car dependence, and what could actually be done to create change.
Read MoreThis creative use of shipping containers has brought new life—and new opportunities for the local economy—to a dreary, vacant parking lot in downtown Saint John, NB.
Read MoreAs working from home grows in popularity, where does that leave downtowns that have prioritized their land for office space—and what does this all say about how we should think about neighborhood design?
Read MoreThis festival has all the elements that make for a thriving downtown—elements that should be present year-round.
Read MoreFreeport, ME, is famous as the home of LL Bean, but in the aftermath of the retail apocalypse and increasing vacancy rates, town officials and residents are asking, “What do we want downtown Freeport to be?”
Read MoreSometimes, it behooves us to rethink downtowns as hubs of culture-making, not just money-making.
Read MoreMany agree that encouraging residential construction in underutilized urban areas is a good idea, but here’s why turning an office building into an apartment isn’t always so easy, in practice.
Read MoreDevelopers are starting to view downtown abandoned office buildings as easy cash—that is, if you can find the right sort of abandoned office.
Read MoreResidents of Winter Garden, FL, realized they needed to take action to revive their declining town. They did this by focusing on one straightforward goal: bring people back downtown.
Read MoreMilwaukee, WI, is now going to start charging more for parking in downtown. Here’s why that’s something to celebrate, rather than bemoan.
Read MoreThis arena promises to revitalize a portion of Philadelphia’s downtown that has been in economic decline. Here’s why locals are skeptical of these promises.
Read MoreHeated discussion about a new condo in Sarasota, FL, has got locals calling the building an eyesore. But is this a case of misdirected ire?
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