'More Feet On the Street'...

...is the mantra that was often repeated last week during our workshop with the Project for Public Spaces team. While it's true that the "gold standard" for success in downtown revitalization is private dollars invested (risked, really), it's hard to beat pedestrian counts on an average day as a great ongoing measurement of goal attainment. Beyond the economic measure, of course, more feet on the street also means a generally better quality of life for us gregarious human folk.

That said, let's put theory into action! Today is a beautiful day (and evening), so spend as much of it as productivity allows on the streets downtown--there are lots of opportunities today:

The Broadway Farmers Market begins today in Theater Square from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., offering charming cherries, tumescent tomatoes, food, fun and festivities;

The Third Thursday Art Walk runs from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. and offers art venues with free admission, refreshments and demonstrations. The Tacoma Art Museum admits for free all day today (from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.);

The Theater District and Opera Ally Merchants Night on the Town runs from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., featuring food, shopping and mingling at Court 'C' Studios, Dame Lola, Fibers Etc., Horatios, Mineral, Over the Moon Café, Remedy 450, Rocky and Coco's and Ruby Collection.;

The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber and Bamford & Bamford Pottery are hosting a business after hours networking social at 702 E. 'D' St. from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., featuring artist Jeremy Sillas (there is an admission cost for this event).