Downtown Greensboro leaders push new initiatives to boost energy, change perception

Downtown Greensboro leaders say a new push is underway to bring more people back to the city center and change how some view the area.

Recent concerns about safety, cleanliness and access have shaped public perception of downtown. But leaders with Downtown Greensboro Incorporated (DGI) say those concerns don’t always reflect what’s happening on the ground.

“There’s been a fair amount of press, a fair amount of attention as it relates to issues like cleanliness, safety,” said Stu Nichols, board chair of DGI. “We think that with this new level of engagement that we can make a difference.”

Nichols, who has served as board chair since last summer, said the organization is building momentum with new leadership. DGI recently added five new board members — something he says has already made an impact.

“The energy that we saw at this last meeting was at a higher level … people were engaged. There was a really healthy discussion,” Nichols said.

That renewed energy is now turning into action.

DGI is rolling out several new initiatives, including a downtown-wide digital gift card program designed to support local businesses and encourage more foot traffic.

“The first thing we’re most excited about is going to be our new community gift card,” said Katie Bayless, digital marketing director for DGI. “That will be able to be used at most businesses that are downtown.”

In addition to new programs, DGI is focusing on visible improvements across the area — including updated signage, new banners, and expanded landscaping efforts.

Leaders say those changes are aimed at making downtown more inviting while addressing concerns that may have kept some people away.

Nichols says the message to the community is simple: come see it for yourself.

“If you’ve come recently, if you haven’t come for a while … there’s a new energy down here,” he said. “There’s a bunch of stuff going on and it’s only going to get better.”