STRATEGIES AND IDEAS
For Community Leaders and Organizations
Prefaces and Realities
- This is uncharted territory: there really are no precedents, best practices, or tried-and-proven reopening strategies.
- The reality is, in many places, we will not be returning to “business as usual” this year.
- Many of the earliest examples of effective reopening strategies are likely to come from Italy, Denmark, Austria, and other countries entering recovery mode sooner.
- Recovery will be gradual and, in some cases, slow – possibly occurring over a period of 12 to 18 months or more, and with possible starts and stops along the way.
- Not all businesses will survive. Different studies have identified the very types of specialty retail and eating and drinking establishments populating our districts as being at immediate risk. Those that were struggling before the pandemic are especially vulnerable.
Organization and Public Relations
Heightened awareness campaigns to enhance comfort levels, collaborative clean and safe regimens, and strong partnerships will be essential to recovery.
Design and Environment
Design-related recovery efforts might focus attention on district maintenance, customer-friendly parking, and comfortable pedestrian-focused spaces and features.
Business and Real Estate Development
Activities to support businesses, to identify and promote opportunities, and to get in position to lead post-COVID-19 economic development efforts.
Marketing and Promotion
Feel-good messaging and fun small-scale events and entertainment are part of the mix to welcome customers back, support businesses, and celebrate community.
