Transcription
COVID-19 Response:WINTERSTRATEGIESFOR DOWNTOWNS &BUSINESS DISTRICTS
prepared by:NORTH OF 45, LLCSRP DESIGN STUDIO, llcdesignstudio[this document is formatted to encourage 2-sided printing]
TABLE OF CONTENTSFORWARD . 4-5INTRODUCTION . 6-9Principles of Winter City Planning . 10-19WINTER STRATEGIES FOR BUSINESS DISTRICTS . 20-33Organization . 21Design . 24Economic Vitality . 29Promotion . 31HELPFUL LINKS & RESOURCES . 34-353
FORWARDOctober 2020As snow begins to fly in Michigan, our Michigan Main Street communities are uniquely situatedto provide innovative solutions in their communities during the upcoming winter season. Ourcommunities are no stranger to winters in Michigan, but this year with the COVID-19 Pandemic andthe need to socially distance, winter may increase the pressures felt by small businesses, communityorganizations, municipalities and the community at large.The Winter Strategies guide will provide communities with ideas to give them a jumpstart on preparingfor winter. This guide is an introduction to creative solutions, dialogue with community stakeholdersand a foundation for embracing winter as a season of prosperity.The guide is organized around the Main Street Four Point Approach. As with everything Main Streetcommunities focus on, Organization, Promotion, Design, and Economic Vitality as the foundationalelements to incrementally make downtowns and communities strongIn 1980, the Main Street 4-point approach was founded and as your state coordinating program,Michigan Main Street is here to foster creative solutions and positive downtown/neighborhood districtdevelopment no matter the season.If this is your first introduction to Michigan Main Street and the Main Street program, this guide andthe ideas contained herein will still work for your community. In addition to this guide, Michigan MainStreet launched our Michigan Reopen Main Street website during the height of the pandemic. Thewebsite contains COVID-19 response and recovery strategies for business owners and downtown/district management organizations. This winter guide builds off from and expands some of the ideascontained on the website, and we encourage you to visit the website for more resources.2020 has been a year history books will remember for a long time! What small business owners andmembers of your community will remember are the innovative solutions implemented. Stay creative,stay focused, and most importantly stay innovative!The Michigan Main Street Team(Laura, Leigh, Joe & Tony)4
COVID-19 Response:WINTER STRATEGIESFOR DOWNTOWNS & BUSINESS DISTRICTS5
INTRODUCTIONThe global COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for all levels of governmentand businesses, large and small, as they attempt to protect public health and support economicrecovery. Following an initial stay at home order, Michigan businesses have been allowed to reopenfollowing a changing set of guidelines and parameters as we learned more about the virus and assafety protocols have been developed.The pandemic has resulted in a surge of interest in being outdoors for socializing, family recreation,biking, camping, hiking, fishing and other outdoor pursuits. It has also created demand for andreliance on outdoor public space for restaurants and bars: patios and parklets, using closed streetsand parking lots for pop-up patios and outdoor seating that has allowed many restaurants and barsto operate while indoor facility capacities are greatly reduced.6
COVID-19 Response:WINTER STRATEGIESFOR DOWNTOWNS & BUSINESS DISTRICTSThese demands will not decrease in winter, in fact, the need to get people outdoors will be more importantthan ever this coming winter season. What actions can cities and downtown districts take to help theirbusiness district better respond to the upcoming winter season? One approach is to find opportunitiesto celebrate the winter in Michigan with a positive response and strategic actions to make the best of thisuncharted territory we are all navigating.Winter in MichiganMichigan’s climate is greatly influenced by thesurrounding Great Lakes, and its northern location.Winter climatic conditions vary widely from the mildwinter conditions experienced in the southeast to lakeeffect snowfalls off Lake Michigan and Lake Superior.The Great Lakes also create cloudy weather for muchof the State,The table lists selected Michigan cities and averageJanuary low and high temperatures, snowfall, andsunshine (for cities where data was available.JANUARY TEMPERATURE ANDSNOWFALL AVERAGESFOR SELECTED MICHIGAN 8Ann 3216Battle Gaylord27.215.42714Petoskey36.614.62815Traverse t Ste.Marie31.619.136Source: Current Results, Weather and Science Facts7
INTRODUCTIONA growing number of communities across thenorthern tier of the United States and in Canadaare embracing the winter season and findingthe opportunities it offers: economically, sociallyand culturally. These cities are transformingthemselves with year-round bicycling lanes,snow management innovations, festivals, iceskating plazas and all-season town squares,winter markets and other business opportunities.People want to shop, walk, bike and socializeoutside year–round, as long as they can do sowith relative ease and comfort. It only makessense to plan and design our city for winter asmuch as we do for summer. Especially nowduring the COVID pandemic.This guidebook provides ideas to make the mostof winter’s opportunities and to create a cultureshift so that your city is considered one of bestplaces to live, work and play in winter and year–round. The strategies, when implemented, willminimize winter’s negatives and create a morelivable city, where the realities of our northernlocation—snow, ice, and darkness—areresources we use both to make it easier andmore fun to go play outside, transforming yourcity into a prosperous community.CALUMET, MI 19148
COVID-19 Response:WINTER STRATEGIESFOR DOWNTOWNS & BUSINESS DISTRICTSMichigan and theWorldIt is also possible to compare Michigan winter conditions to citiesaround the world. While Detroit is the only Michigan city includedon this list, we can assume Marquette and Houghton compare wellwith Montreal and Quebec City, due to having similar latitudesand snowy conditions. This index was developed by David Philips,Environment Canada, 1988, in order to compare winter climaticconditions. Weighting is assigned in four major factors; discomfort(wind chill. length of winter, mean daily temperature; psychological,(darkness, wet days. cloudiness, sunshine); hazardous conditions(strong winds, winter precipitation); and outdoor immobility (fog,winter precipitation).It may be safe to assume that many residents of the Upper Peninsulasnow belts are better adapted to winter than residents of SE Michigan,as a result of the duration and severity of winter. Likewise, the UPand northern part of the lower peninsula are presented with moreopportunities to get out and enjoy winter, such as skiing, snowmobiling,and ice fishing. And know how to dress for it.At the same time, the areas of Michigan with moderate winterconditions (less snow and warmer temperatures) may need fewerinterventions and effort to adapt cities to winter outdoor activity, suchas walking, ice skating, and maintaining public space.WINTER SEVERITYINDEX FORSELECTED WINTERCITIESAnchorage42Buffalo48Chicago 36Copenhagen25Detroit36Edmonton49Harbin51Helsinki 48Milwaukee44Minneapolis46Montreal 49Moscow 52Oslo42Ottawa50Quebec City54Sapporo 41Stockholm36Toronto43Winnipeg569
PRINCIPLESOF WINTER CITY PLANNINGImproving livability in “winter cities” requires a creative, innovative approach that addresses theproblems of snow and cold while enhancing the advantages, opportunities and beauty of the winterseason. A positive approach benefits the attitudes of residents, and bolsters the community’s ability toretain and attract new business and residents. The following general winter city planning principlesdefine this approach. While these guidelines are directed towards the city overall, many can beapplied to business districts and downtowns.PROVIDE OR ENHANCE OPPORTUNITIES FOR WINTER OUTDOOR ACTIVITY Consider ways to use existing city parks and open space for additional winter activities, such asa sledding hill, an ice skating rink or pathway, outdoor gathering area with a fire pit and creativewarming hut. Create winter trails within the city on old rail grades. Where possible, connect existing trails andwalkways. Maintaining/grooming the snow for a multi-purpose skiing, running and walking path ispossible where below freezing temperatures predominate. Communities that experience extended above freezing temperatures may find it better toplow the trail for walking/running/biking.IMPROVE WINTER TRANSPORTATION FOR PEDESTRIANS, CYCLISTS ANDPUBLIC TRANSIT USERS Designate critical pedestrian areas that should receive priority when clearing sidewalks andwalkways. Consider recruiting the assistance of local residents, such as business owners, neighborhoodgroups, or other organizations to maintain critical areas. Ensure that transition areas such as curb-cuts and bus stop platforms are properly plowed toensure pedestrian safety, as these areas are often a collecting point for large mounds of icy snowdue to street plowing.10
COVID-19 Response:WINTER STRATEGIESFOR DOWNTOWNS & BUSINESS DISTRICTSTOWN SQUARE WINTER DESIGN STRATEGIESWINTER ACTIVITIESSUN ORIENTATION ice skating outdoor markets/vendor pocket parks with SW exposures deciduous trees to south and eastWIND BREAKS evergreen trees snow walls straw bale wallsSNOW MANAGEMENT keep paths clear provide places for snowstorageGATHERING SPACES fire pits or bonfire areas winter artACCESS provide clear access at crossings consider alley connections provide for winter bikingCREATIVE LIGHTING path lighting up-lighting art or trees string lightsThe ideal town square would include some of these design features to provide bothcomfort from the elements and interactive pedestrian spaces during the the cold wintermonths.11
PRINCIPLESOF WINTER CITY PLANNINGDESIGN FOR WINTERSAFETY AND COMFORTELEMENTS OF PEDESTRIANDISCOMFORTS IN WINTER CITIES Take advantage of solar radiationin the orientation of buildingsand outdoor spaces to provide asouthern exposure to heat andsunlight. Use buildings and vegetation toprotect outdoor spaces, such asvest pocket parks, from prevailingwinter winds.downdraftraindriving rain Avoid building orientations whichwill create a wind tunneling effect.snow Avoid creating public spaces forwinter use in areas that are shadedfrom the sun.icicles Provide shelters or wind blocksin areas that serve as outdoorgathering spaces.icewindlow sunangleauto spray Use technology and materials appropriate for a “winter city”. Outdoor furniture should beconstructed using appropriate materials such as wood, polyethylene, or vinyl-coated metal. Cover ramps or stairs to protect them from snow and ice. Provide handrails for all public and private walkways that exist on slopes. Particularly hazardousareas, such as steps and ramps, may need to be heated to prevent snow and ice fromaccumulating. Design roofs to account for snow and ice accumulation. and also prevent snow and ice fromshedding onto parking areas or pedestrian walkways. Create transition areas at building entrances to provide patrons with an area to shed snow priorto entering the building.12
COVID-19 Response:WINTER STRATEGIESFOR DOWNTOWNS & BUSINESS DISTRICTSWINTERACTIVITYThe Marquette Commonsis a town square designedfor all season use. In Spring,Summer and Fall, the plaza isused as a Farmers Market. Inwinter, it is transformed intoan ice skating rinkAnchorage, Alaska, witha climate similar to northernMichigan and the UpperPeninsula, grooms theirextensive bike / walking /running trails for winter use.People walk, run, bike, and skion the packed snow surface.Eau Claire, Wisconsin,began clearing snow from anatural area bike and walkingpath as a pilot project in theirWintermission Eau Claireprogram. The pilot projecthas been an overwhelmingsuccess.13
PRINCIPLESOF WINTER CITY PLANNING Design road cross-sectionsto provide an area for snowstorage to prevent snowfrom being plowed onto thesidewalks when the street iscleared of snow. Bike lanes should not be usedfor snow storage, as morepeople are using bicycles fortransportation year-round.VEST POCKET PARK sheltered fromwinter winds south facingalleyway Consider snow plowing andremoval in the design ofroad improvements such ascurb extensions/bumpouts, toallow for easy maneuverabilityof equipment around suchareas.VEST PARKS IN WINTER CITIESalleywaySNOW MANAGEMENTNORTHsidewalk B ik e la nes sho ul d b emaintained to the samestandard as streets in order to encourage more people to commute by bicycle. Bike parking racks should not be put away for the winter season. Map out snow management problem areas and issues to evaluate the impacts of winter windsand drifting snow on city streets and walking paths. Redesign areas where wind is problematic to use earth forms and vegetation to reduce wind anddrifting snow. Investigate the use of new equipment or innovative technology for snow removal.14
COVID-19 Response:WINTER STRATEGIESFOR DOWNTOWNS & BUSINESS DISTRICTSSNOW MANAGEMENTcontinued. Locate snow storage areas wherethey will receive sufficient solarradiation to encourage melt-offand provide adequate drainage. Store snow in a number of smallersites, rather than one large areain order to speed up the meltingprocess. Balance the need for efficient snowremoval with other considerationssuch as walkability, aesthetics,and parking. Exploreandimplementappropriate “ best practices”for snow management thatwill improve service, reduceinconvenience and increasecitizen satisfaction.SNOW PLOWING & STORAGEadequate roomfor snow storageecaplredlohsidewalksgentle curves forsnow plowssidewalkssidewalks15
PRINCIPLESOF WINTER CITY PLANNINGVEGETATION ANDLANDSCAPING Plant deciduous trees on the southernface of a building or outdoor areato provide cooling in the summer(when leaves are present), while stillallowing sunlight to filter in duringthe winter (when leaves have fallen). Coniferous vegetation should beused on the north and west sidesto protect the area from prevailingwinter winds. Use berms and vegetation to directsnow drifts away from buildingentrances.LANDSCAPE BUFFERS & SETBACKS Select appropriate landscaping forsnow storage areas to minimizedamage and poor growth due tocompaction, pollutants, and poordrainage. Consider using vegetation as snowfences to protect open roadways andother areas from prevailing winterwinds.snow storage Create “outdoor rooms” using treesand vegetation to shelter exposedareas from prevailing winds. Use landscaping plant speciesthat offer attractive or useful wintercharacteristics such as twig color,fruit, and salt-tolerance.16roadwaylandscape sidewalkbuffer
COVID-19 Response:WINTER STRATEGIESFOR DOWNTOWNS & BUSINESS DISTRICTSOUTDOOR ROOMSLIGHTING AND COLOR Consider color and lighting treatments for publicspaces and buildings, in order to offset thedarkness and monotony of the winter dsghtouinacfs17
PRINCIPLESOF WINTER CITY PLANNINGMAKE WINTER A POSITIVE ASSET TO ATTRACT BUSINESS, TOURISMAND NEW RESIDENTS Collaborate with other area organizations to create a sustainable annual winter festival featuringfamily outdoor activities, snow/ice sculptures, winter market, food and music. Consider implementing a “winter market” to capture a greater share of winter tourism. Dress up downtown with lighting, public art, and snow/ice sculptures for the entire winter season,not just the holidays.Houghton, Michigantakes advantage of steepgrades and snow for thisevent.18
COVID-19 Response:WINTER STRATEGIESFOR DOWNTOWNS & BUSINESS DISTRICTSLIGHT UPTHE DARKLighting public space andbuildings brightens up darkdays and nights and createswinter beauty.The Place D’Youvillei n Q u e b e c City i s a nhistoric public square thatfeatures lighting of thesurrounding buildings anda winter ice rink.Tiny Copper Harbor, thenorthernmost community inMichigan lights up their townpark with a beautiful display.19
CELEBRATEWINTER!STRATEGIES FOR BUSINESS DISTRICTSCelebrate Winter by adapting businesses, winter-themed placemaking, improved snow managementand activities that can be experienced while social distancing and draw people to downtown! Thissection of the guidebook provides ideas and best practices for adapting downtowns to winter, in orderto help keep them economically viable during the global COVID-19 pandemic. These ideas will alsohelp Michigan communities foster more of a “winter culture” that can continue to provide benefits incoming winters and all seasons.This past summer Michigan experienced unprecedented demand for outdoor recreation. It is expectedthat demand will continue this winter, as people will want to find things to do that can be done in asocially distanced manner. Downtown and business districts can provide some of these opportunitiesfor people, including shopping, walking, dining/drinking, and socialization.The strategies are organized following the Main Street Four Points. It is recognized there is considerableoverlap with specific strategies fitting into more than one point.Three Steps to get started with Winter Strategies:These three steps will assist any community with establishing a Winter Strategy initiative.1. Establish a local Winter Strategies Task Force Discuss snow removal, outdoor seating time extensions, and other initiatives. This task force should include a DPW representative, Main Street Director/Chair, MunicipalManager, and business owner. This task force should identify and create winter strategies for all Four Points.2. Take an inventory of winter assets Attractions Partnerships Opportunities203. Identify local ordinances, zoning, and policies to determine if anyupdates are needed to support and accommodate creative efforts andnew initiatives. Examples of new initiatives that may require policy changes include: Social districts Outdoor consumption policies Outdoor seating/patio seating
COVID-19 Response:WINTER STRATEGIESFOR DOWNTOWNS & BUSINESS DISTRICTSOrganizationAs with other initiatives, partnerships aregoing to be important to implement winterimprovement strategies.Regulatory Work with the municipality/communityto extend public consumption order/waivers/permits/social districts andoutdoor seating permits into the wintermonths so that parklets, patios andoutdoor seating on sidewalks can beextended through the winter season Identify local ordinances and policiesthat need updating to support andaccommodate creative efforts andnew initiatives.Snow management Downtown has the opportunity during the pandemic to become a destination for walking, and havinggood walking conditions downtown is critical to attract shoppers. Downtown sidewalks, crosswalks and corner ramps must be kept clear of ice and snow. Promote the use of good winter walking footwear and wearing yaktraks, spikes and other slip-on tractiondevices. Work with property/business owners to incentivize snow removal/winter maintenance in front of theirbusinesses.21
CELEBRATEWINTER!STRATEGIES FOR BUSINESS DISTRICTSVolunteer Opportunities Enlist a volunteer work crew for improving snow removal, particularly for those areas needingextra attention, such as corners and public walkway connectors, and consider paying them in giftcards, downtown dollars, etc. Enlist volunteers to decorate downtown for the holiday/winter season. Enlist volunteers for winter specific events.SNOWMANAGEMENTFrequent snowfalls in Marquette,Michigan make it expensive toremove all snow from downtown aftereach snow event. Instead, the DDAcreates more gaps in the snow bermenabling shoppers to reach the clearedsidewalk conveniently.Some downtowns, such as Tromso,Norway and Holland, Michiganhave heated sidewalks.22
COVID-19 Response:WINTER STRATEGIESFOR DOWNTOWNS & BUSINESS DISTRICTSFund Development Consider a special millage or assessment to fund enhanced snow removal (long-term)/or allocate DDAor Main Street budget line item for snow management. Consider creating a co-operative agreement between local business owners and private contractors forsnow removal (where business owners share the cost equally of snow removal via a private contractor). Consider funding the purchase of snow removal equipment through sponsorships/donations. Create a micro-grant for business owners to help fund expanded curb-side pick-up, outdoor patiowinterization and other business solutions for the winter. Develop a sponsorship campaign to solicit donations for your organization to implement outdoor/winteractivities (winterizing pocket parks, parklets (where permitted), lighting, public art, winter events, etc.).ORGANIZATIONTO DO:ACTION ITEMa.) Identify An Actionb.) Assign A Leaderc.) Determine The Correct Official, Staff Person, Or DepartmentLeader To Connect WithLEADERCONNECTIONS1.2.3.4.5.23
CELEBRATEWINTER!STRATEGIES FOR BUSINESS DISTRICTSDesignThe general winter cities guidelines and best design practices in previous section identify ways tobetter adapt the city for the winter season. Many of these can be applied specifically to downtown.Strategies for the Main Street Organization Develop winter city design guidelines. The Cities ofHoughton, Marquette, Bessemer, and Calumet havechapters in their Master Plans addressing winter citiesdesign. Edmonton, Alberta has developed a detailedwinter design guideline book. (see Helpful Links &Resources). Consider using parking decks, parking lots, plazaareas and other public spaces that are underutilized inthe winter to host entertainment, activities and events. Retrofit existing pocket parks, patios and parklets byusing surplus Christmas trees or shrubbery to act as awind barrier. Wind breaks can also be made with snowwalls, or straw bale walls. Consider sponsoring a winter decorating contest forthe patios. Consider the addition of fire pits and heaters to patiosand public spaces. Use “warm”, appropriate materials, such as fabric seatcushions, wood, or plastic, for benches/outdoor seatsinstead of metal. Consider sun orientation and wind direction for patios,pocket parks, parklets, and outdoor seating areas. Install awnings and canopies over outdoor seatingareas and outdoor retail areas.24
COVID-19 Response:WINTER STRATEGIESFOR DOWNTOWNS & BUSINESS DISTRICTSStrategies for the MainStreet Organizationcontinued. I n s t a l l f e s t i v e l i g h t i n gthroughout the district andpublic outdoor spaces. Thinkof creative ways to light spaces(Edison bulbs, Christmastwinkle lights, etc.). Find opportunities to partnerwith arts groups on wintertheme displays, snow andice sculpture, and on smallscale outdoor/street theatreperformances. Strategically install heatedsidewalks in high pedestriant raffic a r e a s a nd sl o p edwalkways. Maintain winter bikingfacilities, including protectedbike lanes to encourage winterbiking. Keep bike racks outand cleared of snow for winteruse.IntroducingCrokicurlFind a place in or near yourdowntown for socially distancedwinter recreation, such a townsquare, underutilized parking lot, ornearby park and make a Crokicurlgame. Crokicurl is a new outdoorwinter game invented in Winnipeg,Manitoba, combining the game ofcrokinole and curling. It is a life-sizedversion of crokinole played on iceusing smaller, lighter curling rocksmade of plastic. Plastic curling rocksare used because they are easier touse and have less distance to travel.Like the crokinole board, the playarea of crokicurl has posts aroundthe inner ring to make it a little morechallenging. Consider opportunities tocreate ski trails, skating paths,skating rinks, and sleddinghills in existing parks. Consider a window displaycompetition driven throughsocial media.25
CELEBRATEWINTER!STRATEGIES FOR BUSINESS DISTRICTSWinter PatiosIn northern Europe and a few places inCanada, patios for dining and drinking areused year-round. Michigan can encourage awinter patio culture by providing an excitingoutdoor environment with a few basicnecessities. A simple awning, canopy or shelter willprovide protection from snow or rainyet provide plenty of fresh air flow. Portable patio heaters and a fire pitcan provide some warmth and tempereven the coldest temperature. Install festive, soft lighting. Protect the patio space from prevailingwinter winds with a wall made of snow,str aw bales, or a r ow of disc a r d edChristmas trees with twinkle lights. A south orientation and sunshine willmake the space feel warm even on colddays, if the prevailing wind is blocked. Encourage patrons to provide their ownblankets and to dress appropriately.Some communities, including GrandRapids, MI, are encouraging a patio cultureby providing funding to develop winter patios.The City of Chicago conducted a contestfor winter patio ideas (see Helpful Links &Resources).26
COVID-19 Response:WINTER STRATEGIESFOR DOWNTOWNS & BUSINESS DISTRICTSRETROFITTING EXISTING PATIOSWIND BREAKSHEATSNOW MANAGEMENT portable heaters add a fire pit area evergreen trees/shrubsextra Christmas treessnow wallsstraw bale walls keep paths clear to entrances keep bike racks clear provide places for snow storageMATERIALS use wood or otherwarm materials forsitting areas (notmetal)CREATIVE LIGHTING use festive lighting techniques up-lighting art or trees string lights decorating contestsThe diagram above shows how various elements can work together to create dynamicand safe outdoor spaces that will provide protection from the winter elements.27
CELEBRATEWINTER!STRATEGIES FOR BUSINESS DISTRICTSStrategies for Business Owners Consider winter impact on maintaining Curb-side pick-up options. Create appealing winter storefront and window shopping displays with lighting and evergreentrees and boughs. Consider the ideas presented in this guide for adapting your patio for winter, such as blockingwinter winds, heaters, fire pits, and lighting. Economic Vitality More downtown activity increases sales for all businesses. Cities and downtowns need to beflexible and allow pop-up businesses and retail activities during the winter season.designTO DO:ACTION ITEM1.2.3.4.5.28a.) Identify An Actionb.) Assign A Leaderc.) Determine The Correct Official, Staff Person, Or DepartmentLeader To Connect WithLEADERCONNECTIONS
COVID-19 Response:WINTER STRATEGIESFOR DOWNTOWNS & BUSINESS DISTRICTSEconomic VitalityMore downtown activity increases sales for all businesses. Cities and downtowns need to be flexible andallow pop-up businesses and retail activities during the winter season.Strategies forthe Main StreetOrganization Develop pop-up opportunities indowntown for holiday shoppingsuch as outdoor sidewalk salesand/or a winter market. Use a downtown public space,open area, or underutilizedparking lot for food trucks andvendors. Evaluate andbusiness hoursoperations.WINTER MARKETSExtend the season of your farmers market or create opportunitiesfor a pop-up winter market. A winter market can add retaildiversity to your downtown. A simple shelter or temporary tentwith heaters can provide protection for vendors, such as artists,farmers and craftsmen. Special events can be planned aroundthe winter market.The City of Edmonton, Alberta, has developed a successfulwinter market in their downtown district.coordinatefor winter Consider adaptations for SmallBusiness Saturday and otherholiday retail events, such asoutdoor retail opportunitiesthat allow appropriate socialdistancing.29
CELEBRATEWINTER!STRATEGIES FOR BUSINESS DISTRICTSStrategies for Business Owners Conduct Facebook Live holiday shopping events. Place QR codes on storefront window to promote products and online shopping. Expand curb-side pick-up and delivery options for restaurants and retail. Develop winter themed specials, sales, and products (restaurants and retail). Create positive winter themed marketing for storefronts and sales.ECONOMIC VITALITYTO DO:ACTION ITEM1.2.3.4.5.30a.) Identify An Actionb.) Assign A Leaderc.) Determine The Correct Official, Staff Person, Or DepartmentLeader To Connect WithLEADERCONNECTIONS
COVID-19 Response:WINTER STRATEGIESFOR DOWNTOWNS & BUSINESS DISTRICTSPromotionMore than ever, people are goingto be seeking out places andactivities that are safe and allowfor socially distanced fun! Now isthe time to begin a winter brandingcampaign to draw people tothe downtown and benefit yourdowntown businesses.Event SpecificStrategies Consider themed restaurant/pub crawl style events thatcan take place outdoors. For large holiday shoppingevents, considerationsmight include: Staging large eventsover a longer
recovery. Following an initial stay at home order, michigan businesses have been allowed to reopen . to celebrate the winter in michigan with a positive response and strategic actions to make the best of this . 33 19 Grand Rapids 20.8 14.9 28 30 17 Lansing 13.8
