Introduction-2.2 | <strong>Downtown</strong> <strong>Raleigh</strong> <strong>Alliance</strong> Introduction
2. Introduction In support of the <strong>Downtown</strong> <strong>Raleigh</strong> <strong>Alliance</strong>’s (DRA) economic development efforts, this study was initiated to measure pedestrian activity on sidewalks in the downtown districts of Fayetteville Street, Glenwood South, and the Warehouse District. The study establishes a baseline of current pedestrian activity in the downtown core and late night/entertainment districts. By examining the frequency of use by pedestrians, the DRA and the City will gain a better understanding of potential needs for pedestrian improvements. Economically, the count data will support initiatives by the DRA to illustrate to potential retail, restaurant, and commercial occupants that <strong>Raleigh</strong> possesses signifi cant pedestrian traffi c during the work week, work evenings, and late night time periods. This pedestrian count aims to provide data and support to the DRA’s retail recruitment strategy, as well as other economic sustainability initiatives currently in place to promote the downtown area as a regional center of commerce, tourism, and livability. As part of the DRA’s vision to be recognized as the leader and champion for a vibrant and dynamic downtown, this study, and any other pedestrian studies conducted in the future, will provide a foundation for growth models and a baseline to measure the effectiveness of future public and private investments in infrastructure, amenities, and programs to make downtown <strong>Raleigh</strong> a more walkable and livable place. 2.1 Context The economic sustainability of any downtown area requires an appropriate balance of people and services. Situated within the sixth fastest growth state of North Carolina 1 , <strong>Raleigh</strong>, through efforts of the DRA, the City of <strong>Raleigh</strong>, and other organizations including the Chamber of Commerce and Urban Design Center, is poised for successful, healthy growth. Accolades including #1 on Kiplinger’s “10 Greatest Cities for Raising Families,” #3 on Gallup-Healthways Well Being Index ® for “Metro Areas for Overall Well-Being,” and #8 on Milken Institute’s “Best-Performing Cities” provide evidence that this medium-sized American city is on track to provide opportunities for people to live, work, and play within the core urban area supporting a current population of 403,892 2 citizens. As part of an overall sustainability commitment, and in an effort to attain the triple bottom line – economic strength, environmental stewardship, and social equity – the City defi nes sustainability as a thriving community; one that provides opportunity for all residents, cares for the environment, and has long-term vision for a prosperous future 3 . The DRA recognizes pedestrians as a key component of the sustainable downtown economy and prosperous future. Therefore, urban design components should address and enhance pedestrian safety, comfort, and accessibility. In an era of Smart Growth, Complete Streets, and a myriad of other best practices for urban development and re-development, <strong>Raleigh</strong> 1 (Partnership for Sustainable Communities, 2011) 2 (United States Census Bureau, 2010) 3 (The City of <strong>Raleigh</strong>, 2009) <strong>Pedestrian</strong> <strong>Study</strong> | Introduction-2.3 n-2.
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