By John Bebow - December 14, 2007
Downtown Kalamazoo is evolving into a diverse district where increasing numbers of people choose to work, learn, live and play, as this Kalamazoo Gazette story explains.
Across the state, from Midland to Grand Rapids and beyond, local leaders are designing new strategies to reinvigorate downtowns. A downtown stimulus package is moving through the state Senate. Rather than throw new money at old problems, the package largely removes barriers to local development that are embedded into state law.
This legislative summary quickly explains how the downtown stimulus package can encourage more developers to take on downtown projects, more businesses (especially retail and entertainment outlets), and more people to live downtown (as so many young 21st Century knowledge workers say they desire).
Arts and culture venues are also crucial draws to downtowns across the state. And, as this recent report explains, Michigan is rapidly sliding in support for the arts.
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A new paradigm appears to have emerged that's worthy of attention by regional arts organizations. Area residents are looking for walkable urban communities. Many U.S. urban areas appear to be attracting not only the young, but also the elderly and so-called empty-nesters who are bored with suburbia. Note, for instance, the increased number of downtown residents walking their dogs on downtown sidwalks.
Leaders of arts organizations need to take advantage of this shift with more programs for this increasingly diverse population. Some arts and entertainment groups have made the transition, but more are needed.
Build the arts programs and activities, then watch downtowns tranform into vital civic centers.
Mark my word.
Cheers,
Craig
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