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Posts for Downtown Revitalization Series

Five Approaches to Attract More People to Your Downtown

May 13, 2026  by  Steve Butler
Category:  Streets and Sidewalks ,  Downtown Revitalization Series

Clean and safe sidewalks, the presence of public seating, and appealing open public gathering spaces are just a few factors that can help a downtown draw in visitors and serve as a positive centerpiece for the entire community. 

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Hidden in Plain Sight: Activating Urban Alleys

January 21, 2026  by  Lisa Pool
Category:  Streets and Sidewalks ,  Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Programs ,  Downtown Revitalization Series

Activating alleys is a revitalization strategy that carries the possibility of strengthening local economies, enhancing safety, supporting arts and culture, and aligning with statewide planning goals. How are Washington cities transforming these underutilized spaces?

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Yes, You Can! Revitalizing Downtowns Through Brownfields Cleanup and Reuse

December 10, 2025  by  Leonard Bauer
Category:  Development Types ,  Downtown Revitalization Series

Brownfields are properties that may have environmental contamination, which can hamper private development, depress property values, or present health hazards. Redevelopment of such properties has also spurred economic development efforts in Spokane, Port Orchard, and elsewhere.

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From Vacant to Vibrant: Transforming Empty Downtown Storefronts

June 4, 2025  by  Steve Butler
Category:  Downtown Revitalization Series ,  Economic Development

Local governments looking to transform empty downtowns can employ a variety of approaches to revitalize these areas, including allowing vacant storefronts to be used for alternative purposes, like art displays, small scale manufacturing, or pop-up commercial installations.

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Funding Downtown Revitalization Projects With Tax Increment Financing

April 30, 2025  by  Eric Lowell
Category:  Financing Economic Development ,  Downtown Revitalization Series

Tax increment financing is a tool local governments can use to fund the development of public infrastructure in targeted areas. This activity can then encourage private development and investment, making TIF a good source of funding for downtown revitalization efforts. 

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Indoor of a green building under construction

Office-to-Housing Conversion Adds Vibrancy to Downtowns

April 2, 2025  by  Leonard Bauer
Category:  Development Regulations and Zoning ,  Housing ,  Downtown Revitalization Series

With downtowns still struggling to regain pre-COVID occupancy rates, some are wondering whether office-to-residential conversions can provide housing and bring people back. Can local governments remove some of the obstacles and adopt incentives that spur this type of development?

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Using Arts and Culture to Revitalize Downtowns

March 12, 2025  by  Lisa Pool
Category:  Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Programs ,  Downtown Revitalization Series ,  Special Events

Actions that boost housing or attract new businesses can help revitalize downtowns by making them more attractive, but a strong arts and cultural program can also help build a sense of community, beautify neighborhoods, and strengthen the local economy.

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The Connection Between Downtown Safety and Revitalization

March 5, 2025  by  Abby Newbold
Category:  Guest Author ,  Public Safety and Welfare ,  Design ,  Downtown Revitalization Series

Downtown revitalization often depends on public perceptions of safety in the downtown core. Localities can boost public safety through a variety of approaches, from local beautification projects to developing business improvement areas. 

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Modern, multi-unit residences on city street

The Importance of Housing to Downtown Revitalization

June 5, 2024  by  Steve Butler
Category:  Housing ,  Downtown Revitalization Series

As part of a broader strategy to revitalize its downtown, a local government can play a significant role in promoting more housing options, making downtown an inviting place to work, play, and live.

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Corner of 4th and Dallas in downtown Camas

Main Street Program Elevates Success for Downtown Camas

May 22, 2024  by  Lisa Pool ,  Carrie Schulstad
Category:  Design ,  Downtown Revitalization Series

Cities and towns can benefit from the Washington State Main Street Program, which offers technical and financial assistance to participating communities looking to revitalize and grow their downtowns. 

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Kids at Vancouver's Esther Short Park

The Importance of Public Space to Downtown Revitalization

April 3, 2024  by  Steve Butler
Category:  Design ,  Parks and Recreation Facilities ,  Downtown Revitalization Series

When looking to revitalize their downtowns, cities and towns can focus on innovative strategies to draw visitors in, such as adding attractive, safe, and enjoyable parks, plazas, and open spaces, or offering programming/recreational activities in existing public spaces.

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Three people work on an architectural model of a small city

Financing Tools for Downtown Revitalization

December 20, 2023  by  Eric Lowell
Category:  Financing Economic Development ,  Sales and Use Taxes ,  Downtown Revitalization Series

Whether it's tax-increment financing, a sales tax credit, participation in the statewide Main Street Program, incentives like the multi-family tax exemption, or state-based grants, cities have several fiscal mechanisms for encouraging downtown development. 

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People walking, biking, driving a car, or riding on a bus

How Downtown Plans Can Create a Framework for Revitalization Efforts: Part 2

October 18, 2023  by  Lisa Pool
Category:  Transportation Planning ,  Transportation and Land Use ,  Downtown Revitalization Series

Downtown plans often employ a multifaceted approach, but those that include goals of expanding transportation options, addressing safety concerns, and working to bring a sense of security back to the area can spur revitalization efforts. 

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Model of a downtown development

How Downtown Plans Can Create a Framework for Revitalization Efforts: Part 1

October 11, 2023  by  Lisa Pool
Category:  Comprehensive Planning-Growth Management ,  Downtown Revitalization Series

To create downtowns that can truly recover and thrive after a major unexpected event, cities must outline both near- and long-term steps in their downtown plans, including adaptive reuse strategies and ensuring that downtown public spaces are welcoming, safe, and exciting.

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