The COVID-19 pandemic hit cities hard, especially downtown districts that once bustled with workers, tourists, and residents. Even now, many urban centers are struggling to regain their former vibrancy. With fewer people returning to the office and visitor numbers still lagging, many downtowns are finding it difficult to become the thriving community hubs they once were.

However, the solution to revitalizing these areas doesn’t have to come from large-scale infrastructure projects or massive investments. Instead, the power lies in the hands of the local community - artists, businesses, property owners, and the people who live there. By embracing creative placemaking and harnessing tools like Proxi, communities can come together to create new, vibrant experiences that attract visitors and foster engagement.

The Power of Creative and Inclusive Placemaking

Imagine transforming your downtown district into a destination where art, culture, and local businesses thrive together. Creative placemaking invites everyone - artists, entrepreneurs, and residents - to envision a space that reflects the unique character of the community. One practical way to bring this vision to life is through Proxi's Passport Challenges.

By using Proxi maps, downtown districts can design customized area guides that serve as digital passports for visitors. These passports can encourage exploration by offering curated experiences that combine the best of what your community has to offer - local art galleries, historic landmarks, and beloved restaurants - all while driving foot traffic to key locations.

Customize Experiences that Reflect Your Community’s Vibrancy

Every community has its own personality, and your downtown district is no different. Proxi gives you the flexibility to create custom experiences that showcase the diversity of your area. Whether your district is known for its arts scene, historical significance, or eclectic food offerings, you can design passes that lead visitors on unique journeys tailored to your community’s strengths.

Proxi passes can verify check-ins at both free public places, such as parks or local street murals, and at merchant-owned locations, like cafes and boutiques. This allows you to mix and match destinations, giving participants an opportunity to discover new favorites while supporting local businesses. By designing a pass that reflects the vibrancy and character of your district, you create a compelling reason for people to explore and engage with the area.

Branding and Customization for a Seamless Experience

In addition to offering flexible experiences, Proxi also allows you to customize the look and feel of your digital passes to align with your district’s branding. Proxi is a white-labeled tool, meaning you can create passes that fit seamlessly into your overall marketing efforts. Whether you're embedding the pass on your website or launching it via printed QR codes around town, Proxi ensures your passes feel like a natural extension of your community’s identity.

This level of customization not only elevates the user experience but also helps reinforce your district's brand. When visitors engage with your pass, they should feel a sense of connection to the unique character of your area, whether it’s through your visual branding or the experiences you offer.

Using Analytics to Drive Future Success

One of the most powerful features of Proxi passes is the ability to collect data and leverage pass analytics. This data gives you a window into how people are engaging with your downtown district. You can see where visitors are checking in, which locations are the most popular, and how long people are staying in the area.

This information is invaluable when it comes to future marketing efforts. By analyzing pass data, you can create highly targeted marketing lists and develop campaigns that speak directly to the interests and behaviors of your visitors. Whether it’s promoting a seasonal festival, highlighting a new local business, or encouraging repeat visits, Proxi’s analytics help you hit the right people with the right messages.

Launch Your First Proxi Pass in Under an Hour

Best of all, getting started with Proxi is quick and easy. With Proxi’s Experience Builder, you can design, customize, and launch your first pass in under an hour. This rapid setup allows you to start driving traffic and revenue into your local economy right away.

Downtown districts may be struggling, but with the right tools and a bit of creativity, communities can reimagine their spaces and bring people back to their city centers. By creating dynamic, engaging experiences with Proxi, you can help revitalize your downtown and showcase the vibrancy that makes your community special.

Are you ready to build your first Proxi pass? Get started today and create a new way for your community to experience all that your downtown has to offer.