Future of downtowns

Downtowns are the most productive places in metropolitan areas, and are under constant pressure to deliver economic, social, and environmental value across changing economic and demographic circumstances. How should downtowns remain relevant amid the rise of the digital economy, America’s diversity explosion, and the climate crisis, and how can they help their cities and regions adapt?

Collage of 4 photos: top left- mural on brick wall of black man with a halo above his head. top right- NYC subway system, woman in yellow vest with broom in her hand. bottom left- orange sign for "hub of Hope" with white arrows pointing down. bottom right- exterior of retail space on the street with a sign stating "Retail space for lease"

Cities & Communities How to break the doom loop: Actionable insights from the Brookings Future of Downtowns learning exchange

Tracy Hadden Loh, Hanna Love

July 22, 2024

Portland, Oregon, USA, August 8th 2023: Homeless encampment under the SE Morrison Bridge in downtown Portland Oregon

Housing Despite a national spike in homelessness, some US regions are finding solutions

Hanna Love, Tracy Hadden Loh

February 5, 2024

Cities & Communities Homelessness in US cities and downtowns

Hanna Love, Tracy Hadden Loh

December 7, 2023

Multi ethnic female colleagues sit at workplace working together looks at pc screen use corporate program

Workforce Development Apprenticeships for office jobs can prepare downtowns for the future of work

Annelies Goger, Tracy Hadden Loh

November 21, 2022

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JULY 13, 2019: City tram speeds up at night.

Placemaking One size doesn’t fit all for understanding downtown recovery

Tracy Hadden Loh

September 21, 2023

Transportation Ensuring the intertwined post-pandemic recoveries of downtowns and transit systems

DW Rowlands, Tracy Hadden Loh

August 8, 2023

shot of tall, brick buildings from the street view pointed up. blue sky. Chicago

Cities & Communities Myths about converting offices into housing—and what can really revitalize downtowns

Tracy Hadden Loh, Egon Terplan, DW Rowlands

April 27, 2023

New York NY/USA-August 13, 2020 Vacant storefronts, slated for development, in Lower Manhattan in New York Photo: Shutterstock

Cities & Communities The geography of crime in four U.S. cities: Perceptions and reality

Hanna Love, Tracy Hadden Loh

April 3, 2023

Downtown Chicago - homeless, black male outside of residence building advertising penthouse collection

Cities & Communities Breaking the ‘urban doom loop’: The future of downtowns is shared prosperity

Tracy Hadden Loh, Hanna Love

March 23, 2023

Tracy Hadden Loh Fellow - Brookings Metro, Anne T. and Robert M. Bass Center for Transformative Placemaking

Hanna Love Fellow - Brookings Metro, Anne T. and Robert M. Bass Center for Transformative Placemaking

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