“Downtowns are not just commercial zones; they are citywide reputation engines,” according to a new report from the Gensler Research Institute. “They anchor the tax base, centralize economic growth, and set the tone for whether a city feels dynamic or stagnant.

Population stability, a vibrant economy and a city’s brand all are strongly linked to an improved downtown experience, according to the report, which explains that  having great Central Business Districts (CBDs) “make cities more competitive for talent, businesses, and investments,”

The report points out that the majority of respondents around the globe think their central business districts offer a positive experience. “Yet many districts fail to convert that positivity into more frequent and longer visits,” according to Gensler’s research. “Part of the gap is motivational. CBDs lack compelling, repeatable reasons to visit outside of work. But part is also structural, as comfort deficits (shade, seating, restrooms), safety concerns, and poor mobility create barriers even in downtowns residents otherwise rate highly.” 

Even if the Central Business District is rich in activities, a slew of challenges can impede participation. As the report explains, “if it’s hard to get there and unpleasant upon arrival, people won’t come. Parking is a pain point everywhere: Fewer than one in four residents rate parking costs favorably, and only 30% rate parking availability positively. Social friction, where people feel unwelcome due to income, ethnicity, religion, or cultural barriers, has the same effect: people stay away.”

The report is based on a 2025 anonymous panel-based survey that “collected data on over 35,000 respondents across 133 business districts in 75 cities around the world.” It provides plentiful data that analyze the factors that contribute to whether multiple individual cities are “sticky”, in that people who visit, actually spend a reasonable amount of time there.

Also included are top ten lists for international cities and for the United States. The top ten for the US (which includes a few surprises) are (in order) Detroit, Washington DC, Boston, Seattle, Newark, Chicago, San Francisco, Raleigh, Salt Lake City, and Kansas City, Missouri. 

What makes a downtown area more sticky? The report offers up a handful of keys:

• “Streets succeed when they prioritize people over vehicles. Low traffic zones may seem counterintuitive to economic growth, but downtowns that have extended car free zones and prioritized pedestrian space are consistently more visited and more economically active.”

• “Wider sidewalks, tree canopy, and green infrastructure are quality-of-life investments that pay economic dividends in real time.”

• “Turning empty spaces into homes, shops, restaurants, and classrooms can keep streets energized between permanent uses.”

• “Extending vibrancy beyond five o’clock is a prerequisite for downtowns to thrive.”

• “Mixed-use density, activated ground floors connected to the street, and safe, walkable pedestrian areas create the conditions for vibrancy.”

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