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STRATEGIES: 7 STRATEGIES FOR DOWNTOWN

CHAPTER 4

Enhance the Public Realm S4

S5

Foster Innovation and a Resilient Local Economy

Enhancing and enriching a community’s public realm is a central part of celebrating a place’s history and character. Investing in streetscapes, parks, and other public spaces—both large and small—also helps to give different districts within a downtown their own distinct character . Public realm improvements should be carefully considered alongside development opportunities; together, these investments can enhance a community’s walkability, livability, and vibrancy.

Fostering innovation and a resilient local economy is closely linked with each of the other strategies: it is essential for leveraging the potential of new development ; it shapes the identity and clarity of different districts within a Downtown; and it relies on thoughtful and appropriate investments in new housing, mobility, and the public realm. New small businesses, start-ups, and jobs in arts and innovation also help to express and celebrate a place’s distinctive character and culture.

63 Downtown Blacksburg Strategic Plan