“The Downtown Development Center is one of my most valuable tools. For folks like ourselves with limited resources, we use these publications to light fires that will shine long after the ideas have come to life.”
— Betsy Manuel
Executive Director
Heart of Medford
“Downtown Idea Exchange is a great tool and really does bring new networking and sharing opportunities to those of us who work for downtown. Thanks again and keep up the great work.”
— Sherry H. Spring
Executive Director
Downtown Hampton Development Partnership
“I just took over as the new President for Downtown Novato Business Association. I was so impressed with your information on what other towns have done with small grants.”
— Denise Athas
President, Downtown Novato Business Association
“We are long-time subscribers and consider the Idea Exchange very valuable to our work.”
— Sue Dusharme
Programs Director, Downtown Business Association of Escondido
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Property Owners Fund Bus Passes to Reduce Parking
Congestion
October 5, 2017
Streetscape Upgrade Clears the Clutter,
Reinforces
Downtown Brand
September 21, 2017
StoryWalk Brings Children and Their Parents Downtown
September 7, 2017
Quality is Key to a Successful On-Street Vendor
Program
August 24, 2017
Attracting Residents
August 10, 2017
No Smoking Downtown
July 27, 2017
March Madness Inspires Downtown Dining Campaign
July 14, 2017
Crosswalk Art a Safety and Funding Concern
June 29, 2017
Fashion Trucks Enliven City Centers
June 16, 2017
Free Wi-Fi and Pedestrian Counts
June 1, 2017
Turning Construction Gridlock into a Downtown
Happening
May 18, 2017
Makerspaces Make Their Mark Downtown
May 4, 2017
Invisible Art Comes Downtown
April 20, 2017
Corridor of Light Connects Downtown
April 6, 2017
Attraction Program Supports Local Businesses
March 23, 2017
Privately Funded Loan Program
Supports Downtown
Revitalization
March 9, 2017
Downtown Open House Highlights Diverse Options
February 23, 2017
Downtown Commission Eliminates Traditional Incentives
February 9, 2017
Downtown Leaders Place Renewed Emphasis on Supporting
At-Risk Businesses
February 9, 2017
Downtown Leaders Place Renewed Emphasis on Supporting
At-Risk Businesses
January 26, 2017
Economy Looks Favorable for Housing, But Commission
Pressures Remain
January 11, 2017
Creative Corridor Transforms Main Street
December 29, 2016
Holiday Light Displays Attract Crowds
December 15, 2016
Multi-Facade Program Drives Private Investment
December 1, 2016
Where is Downtown?
November 17, 2016
"Small Business Spotlights" connect business owners
with the community
November 3, 2016
Turning Under-Utilized Alleys into Livable Lanes
October 20, 2016
Grant Program Makes Downtown Businesses More
Accessible
October 7, 2016
Changing Perceptions of Parking Availability
September 22, 2016
Light Festivals Draw Crowds Downtown
September 8, 2016
Usage Data Helps Public Space Evolve
August 25, 2016
Build Experiences into Events to Draw Larger Crowds
August 11, 2016
Regional Trail Boosts Economy in Nine Downtowns
July 28, 2016
Helping the Public Enjoy Public Art
July 14, 2016
Relaxing Downtown’s Open Container Laws
June 30, 2016
Show Downtown Some Love with a Giant Chalkboard
June 16, 2016
Identifying a Unique Downtown Asset Can Drive
Development
June 2, 2016
Giant Postcards Encourage Social Media Sharing
May 19, 2016
Nurturing New Businesses with an Incubator
May 5, 2016
Marketing Materials and Events Encourage Development
April 21, 2016
City Identifies Roadblocks to Downtown Redevelopment
April 8, 2016
Attracting Millennials
March 24, 2016
Free, Convenient Trolley Supports Downtown Businesses
March 10, 2016
New Approaches to Restaurant Week Bring Hungry Guests Downtown
February 25, 2016
Empty Building Becomes Heart of Community
February 11, 2016
Using the Arts to Attract and Retain Residents and Visitors
January 28, 2016
Four Trends Shape Downtown Development in the New Year
January 14, 2016
Pop-Up Drive-ins Draw Movie Lovers and the Nostalgic Downtown
December 30, 2015
Creating a Walkable City Center Spurs Growth
December 17, 2015
Stroll Downtown, Get a Cookie
December 3, 2015
Downtown Organization and Police Partner for Safety
November 19, 2015
Ads Feature Small Business Owners
November 5, 2015
Public Space Management Transforms Neglected Spaces
October 22, 2015
"Street Scenes" Enliven Downtown
October 8, 2015
Underutilized Park Transformed into Popular Public Space
September 24, 2015
Inflatable Events Are Enlivening Downtowns
September 10, 2015
Leadership Programs Attract and Retain Young
Professionals
August 27, 2015
Attracting Millennials to Live and Work Downtown
August 13, 2015
Incentives Attract Businesses While Improving
Buildings
July 30, 2015
Bringing More Special Events Downtown
July 16, 2015
Making Better Use of Bumpouts
July 1, 2015
Partnering with Nonprofits to Draw Customers Downtown
June 18, 2015
Mobile Workshops Bring Planning to the People
June 5, 2015
Downtowns Band Together for Greater Impact
May 21, 2015
Wedding tours attract visitors while supporting businesses
May 6, 2015
Regional downtowns band together to promote local dinning and art
March 12, 2015
Facade Improvement Programs Produce Real Economic Benefits, Study Says
February 25, 2015
Housing Fair and Incentives Attract New Residents
February 11, 2015
Downtown Residential Fuels Revitalization
January 29, 2015
Alcohol-friendly events one of 10 downtown marketing trends to watch in 2015
January 15, 2015
Social Sports Draw Participants and Spectators Downtown
December 18, 2014
12 Strategies that Will Transform Your Downtown
December 4, 2014
Finessing the Shop Local message
November 20, 2014
Bicycle Lanes, Stations, and Share Programs
November 6, 2014
Changing Perceptions About Downtown Parking
October 23, 2014
Bicycle Lanes, Stations, and Share Programs
October 10, 2014
New Wayfinding System Directs Locals and Visitors
September 25, 2014
Multiple Goals Means Multiple Funding Sources
September 11, 2014
To Attract New Businesses, Downtown Reaches Out to Employees
August 27, 2014
Making the Case for Downtown Housing
August 14, 2014
Public Space Fitness Programs Draw Crowds
July 31, 2014
Courting Successful Business Owners
July 17, 2014
Record-breaking Marketing and Public Relations
July 1, 2014
Downtown Site Seeker Program Fills Vacant Space
June 19, 2014
Simple Seating Drives Change in Public Spaces
May 27, 2014
Busker Event Takes Over Downtown
April 10, 2014
An Incubator Model for Smaller Communities
March 27, 2014
Downtown Invites Millennials to Settle Down
March 17, 2014
10 Rules for Downtown Chief Executives
February 28, 2014
City, BID, Tourism Office, and College Partner on Visitor’s Center
February 13, 2014
Reconsidering Portable Signage Ordinances Downtown
January 30, 2014
Ten Trends That Will Shape Downtown Marketing in The New Year
January 16, 2014
Downtown Organization Increases Event Schedule
December 30, 2013
Saving Historic Theaters is an Economic Development Mission in Many Communities
December 12, 2013
Small Business Saturday Can Be A Year-Round Event
November 25, 2013
Building Artistic Neighborhoods
November 15, 2013
Shopping Events Draw Men Downtown
November 1, 2013
Quantifying Event Benefits
October 15, 2013
Data Drives Creation of Successful Public Space
October 1, 2013
Defining Your Community’s Brand
September 13, 2013
Maximizing Downtown Event Space
August 29, 2013
To Attract Tourists, Court The Media
August 15, 2013
Bring More Retail Downtown with a Collective
August 1, 2013
Promoting Downtown With a Comprehensive Plan and Monthly Themes
July 15, 2013
Effective Public Outreach Essential for Every Plan
July 1, 2013
Homegrown Event Creates Buzz, Builds Business
June 15, 2013
Communities grow DIY grocery stores
June 1, 2013
Guerilla placemaking highlights downtown character
May 15, 2013
Dedicated Recruitment Staff Draws Businesses Downtown
May 6, 2013
Pet-Friendly Downtowns Activate Streets, Support Businesses
April 15, 2013
Incentives and Rezoning Stimulate Downtown Housing
April 3, 2013
Online and On-The-Street Events Promote Downtown Fashion
March 18, 2013
Downtown Co-Work Spaces Support Start-Ups
March 5, 2013
Highlighting Downtown\'s Heritage Draws Visitors
February 18, 2013
Creating Practical Low-Maintenance Public Art Downtown
February 4, 2013
The Economy, Technology, and Changing Lifestyles Bring Challenges and Opportunities Downtown
January 9, 2013
Bringing Busy Women Downtown
January 9, 2013
Incentive Program Creates Downtown Dining Zone
December 17, 2012
Using Art Downtown as an Economic Development Tool
December 5, 2012
Meeting the Need for Public Restrooms Downtown
November 16, 2012
Stakeholder Input Builds Better Holiday Events Downtown
November 5, 2012
Tight Budgets Drive Operational Changes Downtown
October 15, 2012
Merchant Mash Ups Help Downtown Retailers
October 4, 2012
Uncover the Hidden Tourism Potential in Your Downtown
September 5, 2012
Seven Steps to Community Economic Development
August 17, 2012
Downtown Living Tours Attract Brokers and Potential Residents
August 3, 2012
Community Develops Locally Owned Department Store
July 16, 2012
Improving Downtown, One Business at a Time
July 3, 2012
Breathing New Life into Downtown Alleys
June 15, 2012
In Search for More Durable Banners, Downtowns Turn to Metal Pole Art
June 1, 2012
Energy Audits Help Downtown Businesses Remain Competitive
May 17, 2012
Organizing a Cash Mob Downtown
May 1, 2012
Downtown Paid Parking Programs Making a Comeback
April 13, 2012
Measuring Success Downtown: from Inputs to Impacts
April 2, 2012
Downtown Temporary Art Venues Continue to Gain Popularity
March 19, 2012
Visual Enhancement Plan Guides Downtown Facade Improvement
March 1, 2012
Marketing Downtown Festivals and Events via Facebook
February 15, 2012
Local Foods and Culinary Offerings are Basis of Downtown Tourism Niche
February 1, 2012
Skating Rinks Bring People Downtown During Slow Winter Season
January 17, 2012
Downtown Organizations Embrace New Roles in 2012
January 4, 2012
Micro Loans Grow Downtown Businesses and Jobs
December 15, 2011
Pop-Up Shops Make Downtown More Festive
December 1, 2011
Modern Streetcars Gaining Popularity in Downtown Areas
November 15, 2011
Hospitality Training Boosts Business Downtown
November 3, 2011
Designing Downtown for an Aging Population
October 17, 2011
Dressing up Vacant Downtown Storefronts
October 4, 2011
Regulating Portable Cuisine Downtown
September 16, 2011
Celebrating the Market Season Downtown
August 1, 2011
Keeping Project Dollars Local Benefits Downtown Businesses
July 15, 2011
Boosting Downtown Festival and Event Revenue
July 1, 2011
Downtown Arts Development is a Wise Investment
June 16, 2011
Marketing Downtown to Tweens, Teens and Young Adults
May 26, 2011
Cowork Incubators Foster Start-Ups and Fill Vacant Spaces Downtown
May 13, 2011
Three-pronged Approach to Social Media Helps the Downtown Sacramento Partnership Enhance the Area\'s Image
April 15, 2011
Downtowns Turn to Security Cameras as Low-Cost Crime Deterrent
April 4, 2011
Downtown Scavenger Hunts Go High-Tech
March 15, 2011
Creating a Vibrant Downtown Meeting Place on a Tight Budget
March 1, 2011
Public Art Project Brings Thousands Downtown to Create a New Landmark
February 15, 2011
Collaboration Reduces Competition and Offers Cost Savings for Downtown Organizations
February 1, 2011
Vacant Storefronts Provide Opportunities to Draw People Downtown
January 18, 2011
Downtown Areas Across the Country Struggle in the Recovering Economy
December 28, 2010
The Rain of Pain: Vacant and Abandoned Commercial Properties in Your Downtown
December 15, 2010
Bright Ideas for Downtowns
December 1, 2010
Festival Organizers and Downtown Merchants Join Forces to Boost Business
November 15, 2010
A New Four-point Strategy for Downtown Renewal
November 1, 2010
Billboards Draw Motorists from Highway into Downtown
October 15, 2010
BID Spearheads Energy Savings Program to Reduce the Cost of Running Restaurants, Stores
October 4, 2010
Photography Contest Helps Downtown Businesses Hit Hard by Recession
September 17, 2010
Business Community Buy-In Makes Downtown Project Possible
September 1, 2010
Guerilla Marketing Tactics Help Launch New Downtown Brand
August 13, 2010
New Priorites Report for Downtown Organizations Finds Many Diverse Challenges
August 9, 2010
Business Plan Competition Brings New Retailers Downtown
August 2, 2010
Downtowns Innovate with Community Development Models
July 1, 2010
Building a Volunteer Program Downtown
June 15, 2010
Supporting Others\' Events Helps Promote Downtown
June 1, 2010
Affordable Retail Rents Are Essential to a Successful Downtown
May 14, 2010
Downtown Organizations Must Diversify Funding Sources
April 6, 2010
Forgivable Loan Program Attracts and Retains Retailers
April 1, 2010
Adding Bike Lanes and Widening Sidewalks to Create a More "Walkable" Feel in Three Downtowns
March 15, 2010
Consumer Trends Signal Opportunities for Downtown Retail
March 1, 2010
Discounts Can Be Useful in Promoting Downtown Parking
February 16, 2010
Encouraging Trends for Downtown Despite the Economy
January 15, 2010
Emerging Trends and Opportunities for the Nation\'s Downtowns
January 8, 2010
Grants Help Steer Business Development Downtown
December 15, 2009
Incentives Help Downtown Grow its Residential Base
December 1, 2009
Curb Panhandling While Delivering Much Needed Help
November 16, 2009
Facade Renovation Program Costs Property Owners Nothing
November 2, 2009
Downtowns and Philanthropy: A Connection Worth Exploring
October 15, 2009
Elements of Pedestrian Mall Success Apply to All Downtowns
October 1, 2009
Landlords Must Enter the Twenty-first Century if Small Downtowns are to Thrive
September 15, 2009
Downtown Street Design Guidelines: Learn from the Best
September 1, 2009
Taking a Fresh Approach to CDBG Funds Downtown
August 17, 2009
BID Spearheads Parking Lot Improvement Project, Cuts Costs by Almost 50 Percent
August 1, 2009
Plan for Downtown\'s Long-Term Future
July 15, 2009
Shop Local vs. Gift Certificate Programs Downtown
July 2, 2009
Using Smart Economic Positioning to Weather the Downturn
June 15, 2009
Payment-in-lieu-of-parking Spaces Improves Efficiency Downtown
June 1, 2009
Downtown Vacancies: Let\'s Get Real
May 15, 2009
Downtown Facade Program Spurs Reinvestment
May 1, 2009
Retaining Locally Owned and Operated Businesses Downtown
April 15, 2009
Issuing an Effective RFP for Downtown Projects
April 2, 2009
Capturing Tourist Dollars for Downtown
March 16, 2009
How to Manage Bad News in Your Downtown
March 2, 2009
Downtowns Should Prepare for the Economy\'s Recovery
February 17, 2009
Downtown Prescott, AZ Runs Co-op Ads on Cable TV to Bring Back Shoppers
February 5, 2009