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Downtown Development & Activation
Destination Development
Advocate for and Support Downtown Development Projects to Encourage Revitalization on Behalf of the Tourism Industry and Through the Visitor Lens
| Strategy 1: Align with, and complement, the Downtown Redevelopment Plan by the Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency (MRA) as well as future Downtown plans and initiatives. | ||||
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| Strategy 2: Work with the New Mexico Finance Authority to explore potential debt relief options for Albuquerque's Lodgers' Tax debt to free up resources for investment in catalytic projects that benefit both the State of New Mexico and Albuquerque as its major metropolitan area. | ||||
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| Strategy 3: Promote the development of pedestrian-friendly streetscapes, public spaces and outdoor gathering areas to enhance walkability, social interactions and community engagement. | ||||
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| Strategy 4: Collaborate with city planners and local stakeholders to support the development of Rail Trail and integrate tourism-friendly features such as pedestrian parkways and organized events that showcase local culture and history. Promote the Rail Trail as a unique urban experience for visitors, emphasizing its role in connecting key downtown areas and its potential to revitalize the urban core. | ||||
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| Strategy 5: Advocate for the designation of a "Convention Corridor" in Downtown with signage that welcomes visitors and creates a cohesive look for the area. | ||||
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| Strategy 6: Work with city partners to allocate funds for beautification projects and regular maintenance of Downtown spaces to ensure a visually appealing and well-maintained downtown area. | ||||
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| Strategy 7: Partner with the local news media to report on the value of community investment in Downtown projects, highlighting successful examples like the Ex Novo Brewing Co., ARRIVE Hotel and Imperial Inn development projects. | ||||
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| Strategy 8: Advocate for increased public safety measures within the existing infrastructure, such as enhanced lighting in specific areas, to create a safe and welcoming Downtown environment.*
*Visit Orlando, the official tourism organization for Orlando, Florida, has implemented several safety initiatives to ensure the well-being of visitors and residents. One notable program is the Orlando Visitor Safety Initiative, which involves collaboration with local law enforcement, tourism businesses, and community organizations. This initiative focuses on:
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Support Legislation and Funding Solutions Proposed by the City for Downtown Development and Revitalization
| Strategy 1: Support the development and formalization of a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District and Downtown Business Improvement District to improve and enhance the Downtown experience.*
*Tucson's Rio Nuevo downtown revitalization project stands as a compelling case study in the effective use of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) for urban renewal. Established in 1999 with a 30-year horizon, the project demonstrated a long-term commitment to transforming the city's core. By leveraging public funds to attract private investment, Rio Nuevo fostered a symbiotic relationship between public and private sectors, amplifying the impact of initial investments. The project's emphasis on preserving Tucson's rich cultural heritage, coupled with its promotion of mixed-use development, created a vibrant, multifaceted downtown environment. Significant infrastructure improvements, funded through TIF, laid the groundwork for sustainable growth. After facing initial challenges, the implementation of an independent oversight board ensured transparency and effective fund management. The initiative's focus on adaptive reuse of existing structures and the development of strategic anchor projects, such as the expanded convention center and streetcar system, catalyzed further private sector engagement. Throughout its evolution, Rio Nuevo maintained flexibility in its planning approach, adapting to market shifts and community needs. This responsiveness, combined with ongoing community engagement, ensured that revitalization efforts remained aligned with local aspirations. Tucson's experience with Rio Nuevo illustrates how TIF, when applied thoughtfully and with proper oversight, can be a powerful tool for stimulating urban revitalization and creating lasting positive change in downtown areas. |
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| Strategy 2: Partner with economic development agencies and business associations to identify specific needs and create tailored incentives for retail and restaurant activations, particularly during evenings and shoulder seasons to enhance Downtown vibrancy for residents and visitors alike. | ||||
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Collaborate with City Partners on Streamlining the Permitting and Licensing Processes for Small Tourism-Facing Businesses
| Strategy 1: Develop clear and defined recognition for “tourism-facing” small businesses to open funding avenues, grant opportunities and tailored incentives. Tourism-facing businesses can include hotels, local restaurants, specialty retailers, attractions and events that generate overnight visitation. | ||||
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| Strategy 2: Serve as the local facilitator for providing resources and assistance in navigating small business regulations and processes. This could take several shapes; an example includes development of a QR code for a “how-to” guide on starting a business and accessing resources and distributing the QR code across Downtown. | ||||
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| Strategy 3: Collaborate with economic development agencies to advocate for streamlining the permitting and licensing procedures for small businesses to reduce the time required for opening, particularly for tourism-facing small businesses, and for incentivizing development and investment in Downtown.*
*In San Francisco, legislation was approved in 2023 to streamline permitting for small businesses, with a focus on filling commercial vacancies and encouraging economic recovery. The legislation includes over 100 changes to the Planning Code, allowing for more business uses on the ground floor, lifting restrictions on bars and restaurants in specific corridors, incorporating a new liquor license for music venues, removing public notice requirements in certain districts, and enabling priority processing for nighttime entertainment, bars and restaurants. These efforts build upon previous reforms and initiatives implemented by Mayor London N. Breed over the last few years to simplify the small business permitting process and support economic growth in the city. |
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| Strategy 4: Collaborate with partners to create a one-stop shop for small business owners and increase awareness among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) about available resources, education opportunities and support, potentially through a tourism-related businesses platform.*
*The New Mexico State Tourism Department implemented a similar approach by putting together a Tour Operator Toolkit, leveraging business development assistance and resources available through the state, Chambers of Commerce, Destination Marketing Organizations, non-profit incubators, and business accelerators. This Toolkit allows for self-assessment of ‘readiness’ to start a business, followed by information and resources on ‘navigating the red tape’ through compiling a wealth of information from relevant partners across the state. |
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