Downtown Cleveland’s Post

Downtown Coldwater is taking big steps to revitalize its historic downtown and create a place for families and residents of all ages. The Downtown Coldwater Main Street program is working to support a dynamic environment that consistently demonstrates collective energy and synergy. They strive to foster entrepreneurial investment and growth and encourage a vibrant, multi-cultural, family-oriented downtown that is enjoyed by its community. Learn more about what the Coldwater Main Street program is doing to support their community in the 2024 edition of their Impact Report at https://lnkd.in/gZG5b-Qp. Here are a few key highlights: 💵 Downtown Coldwater Main Street saw nearly $1.5 million worth of private investment in the district between 2022-2023, totaling $2,023644 since the program's inception in 2021. 🏛 Downtown Coldwater celebrated 7 new businesses between 2022-2023, and 6 renovations to facades & building upgrades took place just in 2022-2023, bringing the grand total 11 new businesses and 10 facade & building rehabs since the program's launch. 🙋♀️ Downtown Coldwater Main Street welcomed 23,000 folks into the community for events and gatherings, bolstered by 318 volunteer hours at the value of $9,588 for the year. Their programmatic goals are to provide family-friendly experiences with a focus on arts and culture; to revitalize buildings and public spaces to enhance an authentic sense of community that is attractive to all ages; and to create an entrepreneurial ecosystem that supports existing and new, experience-based, and multicultural businesses. Each year, Michigan Main Street supports local communities in compiling its annual Impact Report to demonstrate the power of Main Street programming. From transformations of commercial districts to community revitalizations across the state, Michigan Main Street’s dedicated economic efforts over the decades have been leading economic growth in downtowns across the state. Read the compilation of their efforts for the past 20 years in the report recently published, detailing Michigan Main Street’s economic, fiscal and community impact: https://lnkd.in/gespseip

Shrinking Assistance = Shrinking Public Spaces New York City's beloved public spaces are often run by volunteers, and without sufficient monetary and admin support from the City, many can't operate longterm. Two years ago, we had 86 miles of Open Streets - today we have just 20. They're disappearing because of the City isn't systemically and strategically investing in public space. This year the Vanderbilt Open Street was forced to cut two months out of its schedule and reduce operating hours on Sundays — resulting in 40% fewer opportunities to enjoy the Open Street. And the 5th Avenue BID in Park Slope completely pulled out of running the 5th Avenue Open Street (the 5th Avenue Open Streets Merchants Association did agree to step up and manage it but it shrunk from 15 blocks to just four). In both cases, lack of funding from DOT was cited as the culprit. We need a framework for developing and support public spaces in every neighborhood so that this trend does not continue! 1️⃣ Adequately investing in these spaces and 2️⃣ reforming policies that overburden operators will do the trick. 🪄

Our team at SEH created an insightful article that offers 7 practical tips for revitalizing downtown areas. Whether you’re a planner, business owner, elected official, or community advocate, this piece provides valuable guidance on transforming your downtown into a vibrant, welcoming hub. Why You Should Read It: Expert Advice: Learn from real-world examples and expert insights. Funding Strategies: Discover various funding sources and beneficial partnerships. Community Impact: Understand how to address the unique needs of your community. Check out the full article for more information! #UrbanPlanning #CommunityDevelopment #DowntownRevitalization #CityPlanning

Excellent article and photos by Crystal A. Proxmire of Oakland County Times of our third Main Steet Oakland County Summit. Our 28 Main Street Oakland County downtowns and neighborhoods corridors range in population from 600 to 60,000 dispersed over 900 square miles of rural, suburban and urban settings. Our districts are booming and attract millions of visitors in a given year, are home to over 10,000 small businesses, and has seen the creation of hundreds upon hundreds of units of housing in the last few years, (with more on the way). The districts of Oakland County are nationally recognized as innovative, attractive and bustling where people want to live, play, invest, and shop. The Main Streets of Oakland County are our secret weapon doing their part to fuel the local and regional economy to attract companies, retain and attract talent for all of metro Detroit and Michigan. Main Street America Oakland County, Michigan Government Michigan Economic Development Corporation Michigan Municipal League Michigan Downtown Association Michigan Economic Developers Association https://lnkd.in/g_fZgS2Z...

Reimagining Bury Street: A Vibrant Mosaic of Heritage, Community, and Enterprise - opposite the Gherkin As our application for Bury Street progress through the City’s planning process, we reflect on the elements that make this place truly special. Informed by five years of dialogue and a two-year trial at Grade II* listed Holland House - involving over 7,000 individuals - our vision embraces the City’s rich #heitage, empowers its communities, and supports its future as a destination for all. Celebrating Heritage & Community • A 172% increase in public realm space, including a reimagined historic St. James’ pocket park and Heneage Lane arcade, creating inviting, accessible environments to connect. • Dedicated classroom spaces and multi-/mixed-faith areas, ensuring everyone finds a welcoming, affordable and safe place. • Creechurch Hall, a flexible, multi-use auditorium space available to tenants and community groups alike—supporting sports, arts, cultural rehearsals, performances, as well as school and faith groups. Nurturing Enterprise & Innovation • Over 34,500 sqm of high-quality office space, contributing to the City’s goal of adding at least 1.2 million sqm by 2040 (City Plan 2024). • Flexible floorplates (350–1,400 sqm) designed for SMEs, acknowledging that 99% of businesses in the City are smaller enterprises and 80% employ fewer than 10 people. • 1,176 sqm of community workspace at some of the City’s lowest rates—60 desks at reduced rent for qualifying businesses, and zero rent for charities—ensuring opportunity is accessible to all. A Place for Everyone • An outdoor climbing wall, weaving physical activity, social interaction, and fun into everyday life. • Accessible ‘changing places’ facilities, open to the public, ensuring everyone—regardless of ability—is welcomed and supported. Our plans for Bury Street will enrich the City’s enduring legacy, breathing new life into its streets and inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs, residents, and visitors. #HollandHouse #BuryStreet #Community #Culture #Heritage #CoL #DestinationCity Merrik Baggallay Emma Foster Leila Querino Anna Tweed Phil Haddleton Clifford Ellis Simon Gartshore Peter Twemlow Dan Campbell

REvitalize Main Street ++ [improving communities] City officials can employ various tactics to activate public spaces and revitalize main streets. Some effective strategies include: 1. Hosting community events and programming in public spaces to attract residents and visitors. 2. Implementing placemaking initiatives to create inviting and engaging environments. 3. Supporting local businesses through incentives and partnerships to enhance the vibrancy of main streets. 4. Investing in infrastructure improvements, such as pedestrian-friendly amenities and public art installations. 5. Collaborating with community stakeholders and organizations to gather input and support for revitalization efforts. 6. Implementing flexible zoning regulations to encourage mixed-use development and diverse retail offerings. 7. Promoting walkability and accessibility to encourage foot traffic and support local businesses. By implementing these tactics, city officials can help activate public spaces and revitalize main streets, creating dynamic and thriving economic urban environments for residents and visitors alike.

Collaboration: The Key to Reviving High Streets?!!🧐 The success of high streets depends on meaningful collaboration between stakeholders such as …landlords, shopkeepers, local authorities, and communities!!. Fakenham exemplifies this transformation, where businesses worked together to create something unique for their town rather than copying others. From creative workshops to late-night shopping events, this Norfolk market town is thriving through teamwork, celebrating its own identity and community spirit. Similarly, Richard O'Neill ‘s fictional story of Humbleton’s giant onions shows how one small idea—embraced by a collaborative community—can reignite a town’s vibrancy. These examples remind us that partnerships, resource-sharing, and innovation are essential for overcoming challenges. By highlighting and sharing these success stories, we shift the narrative from decline to opportunity, sparking ideas for the future of all high streets. ✨What success stories or examples of collaboration have you seen on your local high street? ✨How do you think collaboration between local businesses, landlords, and the community can create positive change?🧐 Our high streets have their own stories waiting to be written. Join us in reshaping the narrative. Subscribe to our newsletter to share ideas and find inspiration💕 #highstreets #fackenham #retailnews #collaboration #highstreet #newsletter #highstreetpositives

Awesome evidence for Optimism! Indeed, a bikable city with mixed use residential transit oriented development will be better than pushing EVs onto an unwilling consumer, yes Ev demand is dubious hybrid vehicles and bicycle incentives make more sense and less emissions! Logic should drive our methods of development, transportation, infrastructure and approach to adaptation to climate change and Cleveland can be and should be ahead of those curves… all three! #optimism #clevelandrealestate #cleveland #climatechangesolutions

Communities That Play Together Grow Together: My View of Greenville, South Carolina 🌟 My wife’s family lives in South Carolina, and as I have been to many cities around the world, I am always captivated by Greenville and how it relates to where I live. With a population of only about 70,000 people, I feel that the heart of Greenville’s success story is its unwavering commitment to providing residents and visitors alike with an abundance of opportunities for leisure, recreation, and cultural enrichment. Greenville offers something for everyone, regardless of age or background, from its extensive network of parks and green spaces to its bustling downtown district filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.  It seems that no matter what day of the week it is or what time of the year, Greenville is always busy with thousands of people walking, eating and simply enjoying everything the city has to offer. Public spaces like Falls Park and the Swamp Rabbit Trail foster social connection, echoing Waterloo Region's landscape synergy. The city's arts scene thrives, with galleries, theatres, and events like Artisphere drawing thousands yearly, boosting both culture and commerce. But it's Greenville's collaborative spirit that truly shines. Residents, businesses, and government unite to shape the city's future, driving initiatives like the Greenville Forward Vision Plan. In my opinion, Greenville, South Carolina, stands as a shining example of the transformative power of community engagement, recreation, and cultural enrichment. By prioritizing public spaces, fostering a vibrant arts scene, and promoting collaboration among stakeholders, Greenville has created a dynamic and inclusive community where residents thrive, businesses flourish, and visitors are welcomed with open arms. As other cities seek to emulate Greenville’s success, they would do well to heed the timeless wisdom that communities that play together truly do grow together. 🌟 #CommunityEngagement #Growth #GreenvilleSC #CommunityDevelopment #Recreation #CulturalEnrichment #PublicSpaces #ArtsScene #Collaboration #InclusiveCommunity #CommunityBuilding #CityPlanning #UrbanDevelopment #DestinationCity

Excited to be back in Buffalo today to present at the ITE New York Upstate Section Annual Meeting on the Buffalo Smart Streets Design Plan. This journey started in February 2020 with a future of #mobility focused charrette in partnership with the City of Buffalo and Congress for New Urbanism that looked at how to support next generation communities with a focus on land use, #policy, and technology. And, how to make sure cold weather environments can support #technology integration. In addition to many other actions taken by the City since 2020, one of them was developing an approach to right-size innovation with City goals and investing in future ready infrastructure to support the integration of technology City-wide. This project developed a 20% design that looked beyond just physical infrastructure, and also developed a methodology for how to address modernizing governance and organizational structures. The final approach and recommendations seek to position the City to proactively plan for and take advantage of the new #infrastructure synergies (i.e. energy and transportation) we are seeing in #transportation, and support more equitable and accessible mobility that works for Buffalo, and all those who live and work in this great City that I have really come to appreciate and enjoy. Catrina Meyer, AICP, GISP Rory Weilnau, PE, ENV SP Ralph De Nisco https://lnkd.in/ecFTbBsy