Perspectives

Each month, Downtown Idea Exchange provides detailed case studies, practical news reports, how-to information and hundreds of real-world examples of how traditional downtowns, business improvement districts, main street communities and others are growing and prospering.

A key feature of the newsletter is the monthly Perspectives Column. These insightful, and often controversial, articles are written by industry experts and leading practitioners.

The full text of these articles is provided here. If you would like to receive future articles and the monthly Downtown Idea Exchange newsletter on a regular basis, we invite you to subscribe today.

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The six core elements of safe and vibrant hospitality zones

While challenges remain in 2010, there are also some very encouraging trends

Downtowns need to rethink the low-tech parking space and meter

Focusing development: How focus groups can hasten the economic recovery of downtowns

Downtowns and philanthropy: A connection worth exploring

Landlords must enter the twenty-first century if small downtowns are to thrive

Downtowns and BIDs can do more to face the recession

How to maximize public input to plan better for downtown’s long-term future

Time to rethink and reinvent downtown organizations?

Downtown vacancies: Let’s get real

Why downtowns will shine after the economic storm

Public safety in a downtown area is always a sound investment

Question is, Will downtown be ready for the bounce back?

With such a bleak picture, where is the "blue sky"?