Press Release

New Priorites Report for Downtown Organizations Finds Many Diverse Challenges

Downtown development priorites are changing in response to a weak economy in many regions of the United States.

(Boonton, NJ, August 9, 2010) — Results of the recent Downtown Research & Development Center survey show the current priorities for downtown organizations of all types. The four most pressing priorities are business recruitment and retention, marketing and promotion of the central business district, visioning, and capital improvements.

The data also points out the trend for downtown organizations to begin with a very narrow scope of work and to expand as the organization matures. A similar trend is seen based on city size, with organizations in smaller cities focusing on a more limited set of activities while organizations in larger cities tend to have the resources to tackle multiple issues at the same time.

The survey also looked at how priorities had shifted from 12 to 24 months earlier. Clearly, the recession has had an impact. The vast majority of respondents note that retail vacancies and struggling merchants have led to an increased focus on business recruitment and retention and marketing and promotion.

And in the area of marketing and promotion, these same organizations indicated an increased emphasis on activities that drive shoppers into stores.

The report includes complete survey data along with an essay on each of the top four downtown priorities. Bill Ryan, a community development specialist at the University of Wisconsin, discusses a new approach to bringing retailers downtown. Margaret DeWitt, the publisher of Downtown Promotion Reporter newsletter, focuses on four important trends in downtown marketing. N. David Milder, president of DANTH Inc., discusses strategies to increase success with a major capitol improvement project. And finally Jamie Licko, president of downtown consulting firm, Centro, discusses how to build consensus for a downtown vision.

Additional information on the report and ordering details are available online at http://www.DowntownDevelopment.com/priorities_for_downtown_organizations.php.

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About the Downtown Research & Development Center

For over 50 years, the Downtown Research & Development Center has acted as the information clearinghouse on practical strategies and tactics for revitalizing the hearts of our cities and towns.

The Group's main activities include publishing the widely influential Downtown Idea Exchange and Downtown Promotion Reporter newsletters; publishing relevant books and reports; and operating the DowntownDevelopment.com website.

Website: http://www.DowntownDevelopment.com