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Downtown BID reports 22 new businesses, pedestrian counts down about 7% and resumed marketing after June incident
Summary
Bettina Torres, speaking for downtown business improvement district staff, told the Downtown Management Commission on July 15 that downtown has 22 new businesses in 2025 while pedestrian camera counts are down roughly 7%.
Bettina Torres, speaking for downtown business improvement district staff, told the Downtown Management Commission on July 15 that the district is tracking a modest decline in pedestrian traffic even as business openings outpace closures.
"We have been tracking the new numbers of businesses in the downtown. And so far in 2025, we've got 22 new businesses open," Torres said. "The number of new businesses dramatically outpaces the number of closed businesses."
Torres said the district's pedestrian cameras, of which there are three downtown, show about a 7% decline in pedestrian counts; PlaceR AI visitation data shows patterns consistent with that direction. The BID paused many promotions after the June attack on the Pearl Street Mall and restarted marketing in June; Torres said campaigns are again running and are targeting women ages 30–65, among other audiences.
Why it matters: Foot traffic, new openings and marketing cadence are core to downtown economic health. Commissioners heard that openings include a diverse set of retail and hospitality businesses, and that some national retail closures reflected chain decisions rather than local conditions.
Torres reviewed events and programs: Bands on the Bricks continues with three weeks remaining; the Pearl Street ArtsFest was scheduled the weekend following the meeting, with the 14th closed between Canyon and Walnut and about 111 artists from 21 states. The BID reported that the Tivo train has recorded almost 1,400 riders this season.
Ambassador and maintenance work continues, Torres said: the district is clarifying what counts as outreach versus hospitality contact for ambassadors and highlighted efforts including trash-management tools and planter maintenance. Commissioners asked about "BigBelly" solar trash receptacles; Torres said the units are expensive and integration is still under review.
The BID also described operational improvements: replacing about 250 bike racks across downtown, installing public art in garages and coordinating with public-art staff for additional projects. Staff noted an upcoming video and promotional activities tied to the downtown anniversary and the 50th Pearl Street Mall celebration planned for 2027.
No commission votes were taken; the BID asked commissioners to help promote scheduled events and to share feedback on downtown promotions.
