TREE STUMPS AND WHAT TO DO WITH THEM

Regardless of size, many downtowns have had to deal with removing trees.  Unfortunately many communities don't have the money to remove trees stump and all.  As a result, some downtowns will deal with tree stumps for years.  Depending on how close to the ground trees are cut, there are opportunities to turn this eye sore into a novelty for your downtown.  Novelty (if you've forgotten) provides an reason for people to visit your downtown. 

EVEN SOME SMALLER DOWNTOWNS GET IT

I recently drove through a very small community (a few hundred people) and came across this in their downtown area.   Instead of just letting a vacant lot be a vacant lot, this community installed a small park complete with benches and a little library.  Nice!!       

WINDOWS FOR ART AND/OR PROMOTION

Most downtowns have windows begging to be utilized as art or for information.  In my current community (Lake Geneva, Wisconsin), the "Riviera Building" is the departure point for various boat cruises on Geneva Lake.  One of the windows at the "Riviera" (in a supply closet)  faces the boat launch where hundreds of people walk by every day.   After removing bugs, cobwebs and cleaning the glass, this window was utilized to tell visitors of upcoming events within the community.   

Minimial effort and upkeep should make this "low hanging fruit".

A GIFT FOR SOMEONE WHO VISITED

I came across this "gift" while visiting Madison, Wisconsin recently.  A random "gift" left by an artist in an elevator.   This is a world wide program that has been going on for years.  Why not encourage creative individuals (or organizations) within your community and work to create similar experiences in your downtown?   The "type" of items that can be left to be discovered are virtually limitless.  Visit this website to get some ideas on what has been done and maybe come up with new, unique ideas for your community.