Citation

Rich R. Am. City Cty. 2007; 122(6): 43-46.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Penton Media)

DOI

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PMID

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Abstract

When city leaders are considering options to bring private enterprise to business districts and downtown areas, they tend to first lean toward the tried-and-true corporate tax incentives and enterprise zones. However, largely missing from their consideration of various means of attracting new commerce are strategic parking plans that would make businesses easy to find, and convenient and safe for customers and workers to use. Accessible parking can be an attractive part of a city's marketing message to draw businesses downtown. This article discusses how, by creating strategic parking plans--and focusing on location and availability--city leaders can support local businesses by simplifying the trip to retail areas that need help, as well as by making it easier for employees to get to and from work.