David Dixon Delivers Keynote at Boise’s State of Downtown Event
Updated: 11 hours ago
Dixon shared perspectives on downtown revitalization, exploring how walkable, mixed-use urban centers can rebound from the pandemic and claim new leadership in building citywide and regional livability and economic opportunity.
David Dixon, FAIA, delivered a keynote presentation at the Downtown Boise Association’s 2023 State of Downtown event in Boise, Idaho, on September 13, 2023.
Drawing on his extensive experience leading urban transformations across North America, Dixon noted that downtown Boise represented a poster child for a successful live, work, play—and gather—downtown. A downtown whose high level of amenity continued to draw office tenants during the pandemic’s darkest moments.
Connecting Walkability with Economic Vitality
Dixon’s presentation highlighted the relationship between a downtown’s strong housing presence and lively downtown streets and its ability to draw more residents and businesses to downtown throughout the pandemic.
Downtown is a great place to work because it is a great place to live. Boise’s downtown is a magnet for scarce talent, who in turn are attracting billions of dollars in computer chip and other tech investments to the region.
“Boise offers a living example of how vibrant downtowns bring people, activities, and opportunities together within walking distance, creating places that strengthen local economies and enrich community life.” — David Dixon, FAIA
Lessons from Urban Transformation
Dixon noted that Boise’s downtown investment in walkable streets and public gathering places is about far more than attracting jobs and investment.
Downtown’s connected network of streets and public spaces celebrates its role as a common ground that invites the full spectrum of its city and region to gather downtown.
