How a Clean, Beautiful Downtown Builds a Stronger Economy

During the holidays, I was walking through the Broadway Plaza when I noticed a young family standing in front of the Bank of Commerce Christmas Tree that Idaho Falls Downtown Development (IFDDC) and partners brought to life during our Tree Lighting & Holiday Market event just before Thanksgiving. The parents were pointing out the tree-topper, the kids were delightedly dancing to the music synchronized to colorful lights while the parents debated whether to grab dinner at the Snake Bite or Sully’s Gastropub. They didn’t know I was nearby, but I overheard the dad say, “I love coming downtown! It just feels good to be here.” That simple comment stuck with me.

Because feeling good in a place is not an accident. It’s the result of hundreds of intentional decisions we make as a community—sweeping sidewalks, installing and maintaining landscaping, shoveling snow, refreshing paint, supporting local art, ensuring safety, and making sure our downtown reflects the pride we have in Idaho Falls.

Downtowns thrive when people choose to spend time in them. And people make that choice emotionally first—long before they make a purchase.

Research from Main Street America shows that first impressions of cleanliness, safety, and beauty significantly influence whether visitors stay longer, explore deeper, and spend more in local businesses. In other words, when downtown looks inviting, the economy follows suit.

Here in Idaho Falls, we see this every day. Clean sidewalks signal safety. Art installations invite exploration. Landscaping softens the urban environment and makes people want to linger. Small beautification projects—pulling weeds, repainting benches, refreshing signage—have a cumulative impact that is far greater than their individual parts.

For decades, one of our well-known downtown volunteers – “Downtown Jim," has spent significant time and energy sweeping debris, repairing trash receptacles, touching up paint, and many more acts of kindness. Can you imagine the impact we could have if more of us grabbed a broom and joined Downtown Jim?

What changed 30 years ago when the City of Idaho Falls instituted a funding mechanism (the Business Improvement District) and tasked local leaders to build a nonprofit (the Idaho Falls Downtown Development) to manage the District?  It was the experience of the place. People felt comfortable. They felt welcome. They felt invited to explore. That is the power of local stewardship.

We’ve all seen what happens when an area feels neglected, people walk faster, stop less often, and visit fewer businesses. But when a downtown is clean, well‑lit, and clearly cared for, it communicates that the community values this space and the people in it.

Better lighting means families feel safer in the evenings. Trash‑free sidewalks encourage visitors to wander from shop to shop. Flowers invite them in. Clear sightlines help both pedestrians and drivers feel more at ease while navigating our streets. These improvements don’t just look good—they support our local economy in meaningful ways.

Idaho Falls is fortunate to have a downtown full of character as well as visionary leaders who are passionate, dedicated, skilled, and unified in the execution of IFDDC's mission.  Our merchants, murals, sculptures, events, historic buildings, and walkable streets form the heartbeat of our community. Visitors talk about them. Social media influencers share photos and stories. Locals bring guests to see them. Businesses benefit because people want to be in a place with soul.

Streetscaping and beautification are not “extras.” They’re economic strategy wrapped in creativity. Our downtown stays vibrant because of the incredible people who love it.

Here are a few simple ways you can make a difference:

·         Support the renewal of the Business Improvement District in 2027.

·         Support Idaho Falls Downtown Development’s mission to manage the District.

·         Support local businesses—they are the life of our storefronts.

·         Join us for volunteer clean‑up days.

·         Help us maintain downtown by picking up trash.

·         Report maintenance issues when you see them (IFDDC: 208-535-0399).

·         Share your positive downtown experiences on social media and tag IFDDC and/or the merchant.

The strength of a downtown lies in how it makes people feel. When we nurture a place that is clean, safe, beautiful, and full of culture, we are not just improving our aesthetics—we are investing in the success of every business, visitor, and resident who walks these streets.

Every action, big or small, helps create a downtown we’re proud of—and one that continues to grow economically. We encourage you to stand with us and our mission as we prepare for exciting opportunities that will elevate downtown for generations to come. When a community moves with one unified purpose, its impact is unstoppable.
 
Thank you for being part of this ongoing story. With your support, we’ll continue building a downtown Idaho Falls that inspires pride, fosters connection, and strengthens our local economy for years to come.

With gratitude,
Kerry Hammon