Examples of Downtown Economic Research
As Discussed at the 2009 International Downtown Association
Pre-Conference Workshop: The Art (and Science) of Downtown Economic Research
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Findings from a Preconference Workshop presented at the 2009 International Downtown Association Conference in Milwaukee. Workshop developed in partnership with the Milwaukee Downtown BID#21. |
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Based on work completed for Downtown Milwaukee and for other cities, various types of research useful in downtown economic development efforts have been inventoried in the following table. The table presents a sampling of the types of research that can be conducted by a downtown organization. It can be used to identify why the research was needed, how it was completed, and most importantly, how it was used. Additional information and links are provided for each type of the sample research initiatives. The topics that follow are based on presentations at the pre-conference workshop as well as ideas shared by participants. Additions will be posted over time. Please submit research examples to bill.ryan@uwex.edu
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Title: Downtown Demographic Study (2008) City: Los Angeles (Central Financial District) Completed by: LA Downtown Center BID Why research was needed: To identify in depth market demographics among residents. This was a follow up to similar 2004 and 2006 studies. This study was also needed to identify first time workers and visitors within the city. Description of Research: Survey respondents were directed to an on-line questionnaire. This questionnaire included drawings for various downtown gift certificates and the like, including restaurants, hotel nights and the like. Total response was 10,200, 75% of whom were downtown workers. Action Steps Resulting from Research: Links and Resources: Doing Business in Downtown LA & Study/Reports For More Information: Lauren Schlam |
Title: 2005 Downtown Housing Study City: Oklahoma City, OK Completed by: City & Downtown Oklahoma City, Greater Oklahoma Chamber Why research was needed: To break down barrier towards attracting first round of downtown housing. Description of Research: Potential renters and buyers of downtown housing were interviewed to determine the types of housing desired. Also gauged were factors both driving them to, and preventing them from moving downtown. Action Steps Resulting from Research: This research generated several steps towards creating a friendlier environment for potential downtown housing developers, including TIF (Tax Increment Financing) investments and downtown housing marketing campaigns. Links and Resources: Report Posted at Greater Oklahoma City Chamber For More Information: A.J. Kirkpatrick |
Title: Comprehensive Downtown Parking Study City: Ann Arbor, Michigan Completed by: AL DDA Commissioned Nelson Why research was needed: Parking is very controversial in Ann Arbor. There are a great number of people who argue that there is too much parking in downtown Ann Arbor and people should be induced to ride buses. It is also argued that parking only encourages certain types of development. Others have argued that their companies have not located in downtown Ann Arbor because there is insufficient parking. Description of Research: A study was undertaken to determine to address what clearly a very polarized debate surrounding Ann Arbor parking. A complete inventory was taken of private, public and University parking facilities within the downtown. Focus group sessions were conducted and patrons were interviewed. Documents were also consulted. Action Steps Resulting from Research: The initial study rapidly led to a second study. The findings of the study demonstrated that the parking system in downtown Ann Arbor was operating at capacity. On and off street strategies were largely working, however increased enforcement was necessary. Additionally, the study found that new capacity was needed and that the application of technology to the problem would be valuable. Links and Resources: For More Information: S Pollay
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Title: Local Support of Downtown Study City: Wilmington, North Carolina Completed by: Wilmington Downtown, Inc. Why research was needed: To determine why locals of Wilmington do not visit or shop in downtown Wilmington and to gauge the overall perception of downtown Wilmington. Description of Research: A telephone survey was conducted and willing respondents participated in a focus group. It was determined that a shortage of parking facilities was the greatest deterrent. Action Steps Resulting from Research: Wilmington Downtown, Inc. partnered with the city to promote newly constructed city parking decks which were under utilized. Additionally, a series of creative and funny commercials were made to promote parking in these decks. This has resulted in a 30% increase in parking deck revenue. Links and Resources: For More Information: John Hinnant
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Title: Downtown Dashboard and Key Metrics City: Austin, Texas Completed by: Downtown Austin Alliance Why research was needed: After the completion of a strategic plan, a set of metrics was desired as a means of determining of progress was being made generally based on a set of very specific goals. Many of the initially defined metrics are factors that are out of control of the cities direct control. However, these metrics provide for an overview of overall downtown health. Description of Research: Several metrics have been selected and longitudinal indicators are being recorded. These include office occupancy rates, rental rates compared to MSA over time, hotel revitalization planning compared to city and state indicators over time, downtown crime rates over time, commute mode split, downtown apartment and condo rental and ownership rates, media coverage of down ton and tone of reportage, PID tax base over time, and first floor building usage including use by sector. Action Steps Resulting from Research: The research is still incomplete at the time of the conference; however several initial findings are available. The overall goals of these metrics are that they: be a source for downtown information, that they create a means of reporting to the downtown board and other stakeholders on the health of downtown Austin, that they create a compelling development and retail story for retailers, property owners and brokers, and that they influence public policy. The selected metrics have also already proven useful in the realization of other economic development, retail, recreation facilities, and advocacy goals. Links and Resources: For More Information: Julie Fitch
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Title: Office Leasing & Occupancy Analysis: “CBD Office Story” City: Houston, Texas Completed by: Central Houston, Inc. Why research was needed: A thorough analysis beyond standard office market analysis with confidential information from buildings on historic office leasing and availability. Description of Research: Office buildings in downtown Houston were asked for information on space being marketed, the number and terms of leases signed in previous calendar year, tenant names and types of businesses run from leased property and stacking charts. In depth analysis was undertaken of information from the previous year and trends were compared over previous 25 years. Action Steps Resulting from Research: Information was gathered on the types of buildings that strategies that worked best in office space retention and recruitment. Information was disseminated to improve understanding on where the market is on the tenant-owner continuum. Information was also disseminated on benchmarking and office complex operating expenses. Links and Resources: For More Information: Laura Van Ness
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Title: Downtown Business Core Pedestrian Study City: Raleigh, North Carolina Completed by: Downtown Raleigh Alliance & the City of Raleigh Why research was needed: Pedestrian information was needed to supplement a new retail strategy and implementation program being undertaken by the City of Raleigh. Benchmark data was also needed to provide to brokers, property owners and retailers to better help them target blocks for redevelopment. Description of Research: Study to be conducted. A Pedestrian study is to be conducted on 10-20 intersections. The scope of analysis is still being determined. Action Steps Resulting from Research: Data collected is to be used by the Downtown Raleigh Alliance, and Raleigh Departments of Urban Planning and Transportation. The hope is to hone retail information for particular downtown blocks based on study results. Links and Resources: For More Information: Paul Reimel
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Title: Gilroy Economic Development Plan for Downtown City: Gilroy, California Completed by: City of Gilroy, EPSYS Why research was needed: To revitalize downtown Gilroy and to attract more downtown activity. Description of Research: Analysis was conducted of downtown market conditions and trends for retail, office and residential real estate development. Action Steps Resulting from Research: The Gilroy City Council approved the recommendations derived from the study results to help revitalize the downtown. Links and Resources: Economic and Planning Systems (EPSYS) For More Information: Jason Moody
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Title: Redefining a Retail Mix for Historic Nassau City: Nassau, Bahamas Completed by: Downtown Nassau Partnership Why research was needed: To determine the long-term suitability of the existing retail mix in downtown Nassau. The existing mix largely derived from a traditional tourism economy, consisting of souvenirs and duty free was developed 40 years ago and may be unsuitable for the current needs of residents and tourists. Description of Research: Surveys of retailers, residents, workers, tourists and business interests were conducted to determine what was wanted or missing from the current retail mix. Action Steps Resulting from Research: New policies were recommended to support a new retail strategy. Steps have been implemented as part of a support strategy. Links and Resources: For More Information: F. Comito
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Title: A Strategy for Developing a Sustainable Civic District City: Singapore Completed by: Ministry for Information, Communication & the Arts, Singapore Why research was needed: To justify public funding for effective stakeholder engagement for the development of a sustainable development strategy for a civic district in Singapore. Additionally, to develop a strategy to encourage stakeholder funding and contribution for proposed infrastructure improvements within the civic district. Description of Research: The research is still in progress. A demographic study of resident companies and consumers was undertaken for the district. Additional studies are being conducted on the economic draw of the district, the specialty retail strategy of retailers in the district, and the economic and social aspects of the business models used in the district. Action Steps Resulting from Research: Links and Resources: For More Information: Jeya Chimi, Ministry of Information, Communication & The Arts
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