Downtown Raleigh Economic Development Strategy

A strategy to help Downtown not just recover, but thrive, post-pandemic

The Process: Downtown Raleigh is part of one of the fastest growing regions in the country and the urban center of the Research Triangle. As in many other downtowns, however, the pandemic was a profoundly disruptive force in Raleigh, changing how people work and reducing downtown foot traffic.

Results: The plan focused on Downtown Raleigh’s unique assets to hone its identity and lean into its authenticity – developing strategies for the office market, retail, public realm, and minority and women-owned businesses to bring more people downtown, diversify economic development, activate spaces, and connect destinations.