The Case for Downtown Revitalization

Downtowns are unique places in our communities. They are where people of all types from throughout the community come to live, work, and play. Residents and outsiders alike define communities by their downtown. A successful downtown is an asset to everything our communities are working towards.

Cultural Benefits

An active downtown will naturally become the center of cultural activity within a community. It is a great place for theaters, festivals, street performers, galleries and more. Urban density allows many complimentary activities and attractions to be held closely together, and adds vibrancy to these activities that can’t be matched in the suburbs.

Downtown is also the place where people from across all cultural, religious, and economic backgrounds congregate and interact with each other on a daily basis. It encourages a population to see people who are different from themselves, and increases awareness and understanding across groups.

Economic Benefits

An attractive, active downtown increases land values, which in turn increases the tax base. A vital downtown is not only a great place to live and work, but becomes an important recruiting tool for area businesses trying to attract the most qualified workers to the area.

Near downtown neighborhoods benefit from a strong downtown. Having more people in the area makes these communities more safe. In addition, increased investment in a downtown gives residents in the surrounding neighborhoods a greater stake in their community, and incentive to further care for and improve their properties.

Environmental Benefits

Suburban sprawl continues to encroach on surrounding rural areas, robbing the area of the natural and agricultural character which we enjoy. Urban development combats sprawl by creating a more compact living environment. This compactness also decreases dependence on automobiles, which benefits the environment through lower emissions and decreased fuel consumption (along with the health benefits of a more active lifestyle).

Increased Quality of Life

The result of these benefits is an increase quality of life for everyone in the community. Those seeking to live in a more urban setting have an alternative from the car-centric lifestyle. Suburban residents benefit from an attractive cultural and entertainment destination, as well as from preservation of nearby rural areas. The self-identity of the entire community is uplifted, for the downtown is a resource that everyone in the community can take ownership in, and benefit from.