Downtown Development

Downtown development is the promotion of development, redevelopment, and revitalization of the central business districts and adjacent areas in a city. 

Downtown Development involves a range of activities, including marketing for business, beautification initiatives, property redevelopment and reuse, and retention programs. Throughout the Regional Community Strategic Planning Process conducted as part of BRADD’s 2022-2027 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, each of BRADD’s 10 counties set goals and objectives to address downtown development needs in their co mmunities. Additionally, BRADD has several regional goals targeting downtown development. A summary of both the regional goals and county goals and objectives can be found in the tabs to the right. 

Downtown Development at a Glance

BRADD tracks regional data points across multiple categories, including downtown development. A snapshot of downtown development in the region is displayed here.

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Average Total Retial Sales Per Capita, 2017
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Incorporated Cities Within the BRADD Region
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Main Street America Designated Community Within the BRADD REgion
Local Success

City of Franklin:
Tax Moratorium

In Franklin, Kentucky, the City Commission passed a Downtown Tax Moratorium to give downtown property owners an extra incentive to renovate their buildings. Read more about there effort in this article.

Additional Resources

For more ideas, tools, and and example projects check out the links below.

American Planning Association

Mary Means, a National Main Street Center Leader, discusses the importance of Main Streets in a post-COVID world. 

American Planning Association

How much do the young people in your town know about the place where they live? Every community is special and has a story to tell. This Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt offers fun ways to begin exploring the different pieces that make up a community.

Main Street America

In this blog post, communities learn three keys to success regarding securing funding for downtown and Main Street initiatives. 

COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE OF KENTUCKY

This website provides numerous resources for creating Downtown Development Teams within the Commonwealth.

wisconsin economic development corporation

This report provides a sample of how downtown buildings in small towns can be put to productive use in generating activity and community pride. It is intended to stimulate new ideas for reusing buildings for retail, food and beverage, services, and community spaces.

National Development Corporation

Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits

This national program provides equity capital for the construction and rehabilitation of affordable housing using Low Income Housing, Historic Preservation and Renewable Energy Tax Credits.

eat wild appalachia

A look at how murals are transforming downtowns across the Commonwealth.

main street america

Learn how to use architectural features, greenery, and water elements to make your Main Street more accessible during summer heat waves.

main street america

Learn five steps that Main Streets can take to prepare for upcoming natural disasters.