Director's Take

State of the Downtown

04-09-2026

Dear Friend of Downtown,

Putting on an annual event is no small feat, especially when I feel like I’m most successful at my job when I’m raising awareness, providing updates about development in Downtown, and, this week, reporting the previous year’s statistics and trends.
 
The good news is that there is so much to talk about and celebrate! The state of Downtown actually is very strong! So the updates are fun and I get to be the conduit for the energy and momentum taking place in Downtown.
 
In 2025, eight companies moved to Downtown, half of which were from out of the state and city (which means new tax revenues), and the other half were from the suburbs. Eight companies relocated within Downtown, demonstrating their satisfaction with doing business there, and 40 new street-level retail businesses opened. This is amazing economic development, and will bring dividends in the years to come.
 
We also have record investment either announced or underway right now with $3.2 billion of investment. And in 2025, we saw $355 million of investment completed, the 5th highest year of investment since we’ve been tracking that number since the early 1960s.
 
We are moving the needle with the 2024 Downtown Strategy in all three pillars, of Activate Downtown, Make Downtown a more Residential Neighborhood, and Enhance the Public Realm. Last year, there were 35 million visits, between tourists, residents, and employees in our Downtown during the year. And distillery attendance experienced a record high with 667,000 visits. We have had two new residential developments get announced, with the Fiscal Court and Hubbuch Buildings, which will result in 120 new apartments in the middle of the central business district, as well as NuLu Crossing underway, bringing 500 new apartments to that district.
 
And we continue to bring new improvements to public spaces, which have everything to do with how you feel when you’re in a space. LDP unveiled two new CitySpots last year – and we’re working on two more – and we completed new landscaping on S. 4th Street. We continue to work on new special lighting, which has a bonus effect on a space, not only providing more light, but also a feeling of safety and beauty.
 
We are busy, and I love it. If you haven’t been Downtown lately, you are missing out… I will be happy to give you a walking tour anytime. 
 
See you on the streets soon!