A small town on the edge of Cincinnati, Springdale, had the ideal location for retail development.

There is over 4 million sq.ft. and yet it is struggling. This presentation shows how this area is taking a page from the "downtown revitalization playbook" to come back swinging. Springdale is using the principals that work in small towns to tackle this huge problem.

A pro-active step-by-step wokbook for downtown business improvement districts and other downtown professionals to develop a results-oriented retail retention and recruitment strategy. Whether you are working on developing a Downtown Master Plan, a branding program, a retail/commercial strategy, or assessing a single retail site location, this resource guide is a must-have for your analysis and urban planning needs.

UMC assisted the 125th Street BID to develop a comprehensive river-to-river retail cultural study along this major culturally rich corridor. We are honored to have worked with the organization and congratulate them on their American Planning Association's (APA) nomination as one of America's 10 Great Streets. Please find links to the 125th Street BID website, the article from the APA, and a case study on UMC's work with the area.

UMC worked with Toronto's Downtown Yonge BIA to develop a comprehensive retail and office recruitment package. The information concisely illustrates the benefits of locating in the Downtown Toronto market. Information on pedestrian counts, residential, office, hotel, student, and leisure activities is highlighted for potential businesses' consideration.

UMC was project leader for an urban design team that created an arts and entertainment strategy that focused on organizational development, commercial leasing and retention, marketing programs, and design recommendations. The plan focused on a commercial demand and supply study, retail site location, and the organizational responsibility, financing, and incentives required to implement the plan.

UMC conducted ten commercial market assessments for ten business improvement associations in Hamilton, ON. The focus was geared to developing strategic plans that could be easily implemented by the BIAs in terms of urban planning, organizational responsibilities, economic development opportunities, marketing programs, and physical improvements for an enjoyable shopping experience. Witness how Downtown Dundas has achieved success.

Retail planning is often done in a very competitive marketplace. Downtowns must learn to compete head-to-head with major malls, power centers, and lifestyle centers. This means developing a "sound" retail planning strategy. UMC's approach is market based and involves a broad range of stakeholders to achieve buy-in. Equally important during the fact-finding stages is a commercial residual analysis, target market surveys, demographic and expenditure analysis, competitive positioning, and retail gap analysis. The information forms the basis of the action-oriented recommendations that are prioritized along with organizational responsibility and how it can be financed.

Street Vending includes cart and kiosk programs for downtowns that can be used to create excitement and additional retail flavor to a downtown area. UMC has worked to create successful programs in malls and main streets across North America based on sound economic planning principles. Here are the top do's and don'ts for street vending programs that your downtown needs to consider for downtown revitalization programs.

Developing a successful farmers' market or public market requires a sound business plan. The following are 10 essential ingredients your market needs to be an active catalyst in urban revitalization.

Learn more about other successful markets.

Farmers' and Public markets are not only cultural anchors for downtowns, they often serve multiple functions including a social gathering space, downtown grocery store, entrepreneurial business opportunity, catalyst for other retail, among others. Whether you are looking to refresh an existing market, move a market, or start a new market, it is important to go through a process that reveals what your ultimate goals and objectives are and to develop a plan that will lead you along that path.

Most downtown managers find the retail component the toughest part of their job. How do you determine which retailers will best fit in your downtown? How do you induce them to come? Once you have them, how do you keep them happy? John Williams presented this workshop at the annual International Downtown Association in Portland, Oregon along with the executive director of the Downtown Fargo Partnership.

You don't need to be in New York, San Fransisco, Barcelona, or London to have a vibrant arts and cultural component in your downtown. Smaller cities are developing downtown districts with surprising attractions from museums to galleries to ballet and symphony orchestras. Attracting the creative class takes more than coffeehouses. This presentation was part of a panel discussion led by Maureen Atkinson of UMC along with Jay Fowler of the Grand Rapids DDA and Craig Gossman of Kinzelman Kline Gossman at the annual International Downtown Assocition conference in Portland, Oregon.

As downtowns around North America and the world emerge as residential, dining, and entertainment hubs, do downtown managers, planners, city officials, and business owners really understand the new urban pioneers and what they are looking for? You might be surprised. This speech was part of a panel discussion at the International Downtown Association's annual conference in Portland, Oregon. Your marketplace is changing and this is information you need to know.

The Boston Redevelopment Authority Board awarded Urban Marketing Collaborative (UMC) the contract for services to create a branding and identity strategy for Downtown Crossing, Boston's historic retail district. Learn more about this project in the official press release.