COMMERCE IN THE TIME OF CORONAVIRUS -- Part 19

Main Streets, Business Improvement Districts and Downtowns Lead the Way

“There is a glut of vacant shopping centers and office parks, and they need to be repurposed into dense, walkable mixed-use centers,” Gibbs said.

“As regional malls are closing, many of their prime retailers are seeking downtowns to remain in the market.  There are opportunities for cities to attract those prime retailers if they implement a business recruitment plan.”

The Central Square Business Improvement District in Cambridge, MA partnered with two other small business organizations to create Grassroots Relief for Main Streets, a statewide campaign for legislation to support small businesses, arts organizations and non-profits.

The BID quickly partnered with local restaurant owners to provide food for the social service providers within its boundaries.

In one week, Tracy Chang (James Beard award nominee) and her team at PAGU made 900 meals for the shelters in Central. 

Chang quickly helped launch Off Their Plate, a nonprofit dedicated to restoring restaurant jobs and feeding the frontlines. It raised $2 million in a month.