DOWNTOWN STREET AUDITThe best way to determine the needs of your downtown is to walk the streets and with a critical eye, assess

the good, the bad and the ugly. Only then can you develop a plan that addresses the individual challenges

unique to your city.

The audit can be conducted individually or in a group. But the results should be shared in a group setting

with a facilitated discussion on the findings. Pictures taken during the audit can serve as useful tools for the

discussion.

As you walk your downtown streets, answer the following questions:

DOWNTOWN CHARACTER AND PERSONALITY:

1. As you walk downtown, do you feel a sense of pride in your surroundings? Why or why not?

2. Does the downtown area look vibrant or in a state of decline? Cite examples.

3. What makes the downtown stand out? What makes it extraordinary or memorable? What elements, features, and details set the downtown apart from other downtowns?

4. Is there an architectural element, building, greenspace, etc., that if removed from your downtown would change the essence of the place? If so, what is it and what is being done to ensure its protection?

5. How does downtown reflect the local culture or history?

6. Does downtown provide interesting visual experiences, vistas, natural features, or other qualities? Cite examples of what is or what could be.

7. How does the architecture of the buildings add to the downtown visual experience? Is it positive or negative?

8. Is there consistency of scale between buildings (i.e. are buildings proportional to one another), and are the buildings designed and scaled for pedestrians?

9. Do public buildings set the standard in a positive or negative way?

10. Are elements of the community’s history and character visual throughout downtown? If so, how? If not, what elements could be easily added that would express the history and character? (i.e. banners, signage, etc.)

11. How does the community get involved with supporting the downtown? (special events, festivals, etc.)

12. Does the downtown encourage social interaction and provide public spaces for people gathering? Cite examples.

DOWNTOWN FUNCTION:

1. Does the traffic flow through downtown slow people down, or does the downtown primarily function as a thoroughfare?

2. Are the streets in the downtown area pedestrian and bike friendly or do they primarily accommodate vehicular traffic?

Slow people down Function as a thoroughfare

Pedestrian & Bike friendly Accommodate vehicular traffic

3. Are the sidewalks safe, even and attractive? If not, what are the main issues you notice?

Yes No, explain:

4. Is parking adequate? Yes No Are lots well maintained? Yes No

6. Are attractive trash receptacles available?

5. Is there adequate shade for pedestrian comfort? Yes No

Yes No

7. Are attractive benches available to encourage people to stop and enjoy downtown? Yes No

8. How does the downtown reflect pride in the natural resources of the area?

Greenspace Elegant hardscaping and landscaping

9. Does the lighting throughout downtown fit the character and “rustic elegance” image of the area?

Yes No

DOWNTOWN BUSINESSES:

1. Do businesses in the downtown are do their part to add to the aesthetics of the area?

Yes No

2. Are storefronts attractive and well maintained? Yes No

3. Overall, does business signage detract from the aesthetics of downtown? Yes No

4. Are there places for people to gather and socialize? (coffee shops, ice cream parlors, wine bars, book stores, etc.

Yes No

5. Are there opportunities for outdoor dining? Yes No

6. Is there a big disparity between daytime and nighttime activity in downtown? Yes No

Please list any specific ideas, comments or thoughts you have that should be mentioned in the group discussion.