Downtowns and Cities Post-Boom: What Will They Look Like?

City life has transformed. Remote work, e-commerce, delivery services and streaming media bring daily needs to our doors. Yet, this convenience, fed by technology, is taking a toll – and not only on retail and restaurant districts, which depend on in-real-life interactions. Studies show that isolation is affecting our mental health and social fitness, as well as perpetuating divisive social trends. How are large and mid-size cities countering these trends? Let’s look at approaches to creating healthy and vibrant places through station activation, small business support and synchronization of technology with human social contact. Are these the seeds of renewed commercial districts and downtown revitalization? Let’s talk – IRL!

Moderator: Cassie Branum, Principal / Global Urban Design Practice Chair, Perkins + Will, Atlanta, GA
Art Pearce, Director of Policy Planning and Projects, Portland Bureau of Transportation, City of Portland, Portland, OR
Clint Randall, Vice President of Economic Development, Center City District, Philadelphia, PA