City of Cambridge Receives Downtown Achievement Award of Excellence in Recognition of Retail Strategic Plan


10/24/2018 • 5 years ago

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During its 64th Annual Conference and Tradeshow October 24-26, the International Downtown Association (IDA) will recognize the City of Cambridge Community Development Department with the Downtown Achievement Award of Excellence in Urban Place Management for its work and initiatives related to its Retail Strategic Plan.

The Award of Excellence acknowledges an outstanding response to an industry challenge and Cambridge’s Retail Strategic Plan was among 13 qualified entries for Planning. This category features planning efforts that have established a strategic direction for downtown and includes elements that have already been approved, ratified, and implemented.

“We are committed to fostering an environment that supports small businesses and commercial districts,” said Cambridge City Manager Louis A. DePasquale. “The Retail Strategic Plan provides the City with a blueprint of programs and recommendations that will enhance Cambridge’s retail environment and preserve the city’s economic vitality.”

“The City of Cambridge’s project received the IDA Award of Excellence for uniquely implementing best practice in urban place management,” said David Downey, IDA President and CEO. “The Retail Strategic Plan is a shining example of excellent urban place management delivering real value to the city and an exemplary response to a community challenge.”

The goal of the City’s Retail Strategic Plan was to develop a strategy of best practice policies and programs that support and enhance the ground level active use and retail environment in Cambridge. City staff worked with consultant Larisa Ortiz Associates (LOA) to craft this strategy by understanding the city’s current retail landscape and analyzing anticipated development potential and retail trends. The Plan outlined seven guiding principles: drive experience, thrive online, help small business remain competitive, improve access, build capacity, fill gaps in the retail environment, and address regulatory barriers. Each guiding principle included actionable recommendations that City staff began implementing in 2017.

To date, Cambridge’s Retail Strategy accomplishments have included:

  • Launching a food truck program
  • Creating a small business data dashboard
  • Offering legal assistance to small business owners
  • Conducting commercial district assessments and business leadership training
  • Hosting small business open houses and a small business summit

During its 64th Annual Conference and Tradeshow October 24-26, the International Downtown Association (IDA) will recognize the City of Cambridge Community Development Department with the Downtown Achievement Award of Excellence in Urban Place Management for its work and initiatives related to its Retail Strategic Plan.

The Community Development Department is also considering options to address vacant storefronts and ways to support small businesses and retail during construction projects. For more information on the Retail Strategic Plan, visit the project page.