“In my 2022 State of City, I put a stake in the ground: our downtown is too special to allow for any erosion of progress and growth,” said Mayor Emily Larson. “With the challenging intersection all downtowns across the country are experiencing currently, we needed to convene some of our best thinkers and doers to reposition ourselves for long term prosperity within this neighborhood.

More than 100 business and property owners attended Duluth's Downtown Task Force's "Brick and Mortor Game" workshop Tuesday, led by national consultant Michele Reeves.

The goal and ideas about how to make Downtown Duluth really pop, drew a lot of interest Tuesday morning.

Many business owners showed up to hear the strong message that each owner can and must make an individual difference. The storefront of Minnesota Surplus had a makeover to show how changes in lighting and display can make the store and experience more inviting from the street.

MPR Interview with guests Wafa Elkhalifa, Kristi Stokes, and Donella Westphal

MPR News with Angela Davis Can downtowns come back from COVID-19 better and more inclusive?

Eight small businesses have opened in a Pop-Up CoLab in downtown Duluth.

A Pop-Up CoLab opened in downtown Duluth Tuesday. It currently houses eight small businessses that offer everything from cosmetics to clothing to cheesecake.

Residents can contact the new outreach specialist to notify her of someone who may be in need of social support services, like housing.

In her first couple of weeks serving as the new outreach specialist in downtown Duluth, Renée Graves is already helping to connect one man to accessible housing.

Duluth city leaders met with community members today to talk about public safety initiatives within the city.

Duluth city leaders met with community members today to talk about public safety initiatives within the city. Mayor Emily Larson, Police Chief Mike Tusken, and Greater Downtown Council (GDC) President Kristi Stokes all spoke about what their organizations are doing to help the community.

This is what Christmas magic looks like.

While the old adage "there's no place like home for the holidays" sure can be true, these amazing Christmas towns across the country are real contenders for top-notch holiday spirit. With some of the best Christmas light displays, holiday decorating, holiday craft fairs, and other festive family activities on their calendars, these towns should definitely make this year's Christmas bucket list. Even if you're staying closer to home this holiday, these towns are worth a weekend trip for the fun-filled holiday experience.

They used about 25 gallons of paint to fill the alley walls with colorful symbols of the Twin Ports like the Lift Bridge.

A local non-profit organization, Duluth Street Art Initiative, is teaming up with Northland artists and property owners in bringing color and creativity to a downtown Duluth alley in the next four days.

A local non-profit organization, Duluth Street Art Initiative, is teaming up with Northland artists and property owners in bringing color and creativity to a downtown Duluth alley in the next four days. The group of artists are creating murals along the walls and may even add installation pieces

After a long, tedious four-year-long wait, Superior Street is officially re-opened.

The Greater Downtown Council expects the market to return next year.

Shanda Hanson, the council's marketing and events coordinator, said that prior to canceling the market she spoke with a few vendors who shared that they either didn't have enough produce to continue selling at the market or they didn't have enough farm staff.

"It’s just really nice to get people back into the core of our community on to Superior Street," said Greater Downtown Council President Kristi Stokes.

Movies in the Park will feature eight free movies this summer for the whole family to enjoy!

Darlene Marshall, special events coordinator for Duluth's Greater Downtown Council, has retired after 13 years of service.

Duluth's "Movies in the Park" event will adopt a drive-in style for summer 2020.

Painting features three health care workers and the words 'thank you frontline heroes.'