Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has hollowed out corporate office spaces in large US metropolitan centers, resulting in three potential downstream differential impacts: (1) on places, as demand for urban office spaces, commercial real estate, and housing have changed; (2) on profits, as small and local businesses in proximity to these office spaces depend on office workers and other foot traffic; and, (3) on people, as the livelihoods of many diverse but historically marginalized communities have been disproportionately affected. In this article, we examine these impacts, with downtown Seattle used as a case study to validate some urban trends. In leveraging data and technology-based approaches to assess and support urban vitality and equity goals, policymakers can explore the value of a Main Street data-driven analytical framework. Here, we explore how such a framework can support more targeted responses, including implementing technology policy initiatives that increase the digitalization of Main Street businesses and support their resilience. Complementing this data-driven framework, institutionalizing equity analysis in regional decision-making systems can better account for differential impacts on vulnerable communities to implement more inclusive future of work recovery strategies.
Highlights
The COVID-19 pandemic has hollowed out corporate office spaces in large US metropolitan centers, resulting in three potential downstream differential impacts: (1) on places, as demand for urban office spaces, commercial real estate, and housing have changed; (2) on profits, as small and local businesses in proximity to these office spaces depend on office workers and other foot traffic; and, (3) on people, as the livelihoods of many diverse but historically marginalized communities have been disproportionately affected
We explore how a Main Street data-driven framework can enhance policymakers’ capacity in better assessing and responding to these differential impacts while supporting urban vitality and equity objectives
Seattle was among the hardest-hit cities as rent prices fell by 19% since the pandemic began [12], suggesting a population exodus—at least temporarily—which can put additional pressures on Main Street businesses that who depend on nearby residential dwellers
Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic has hollowed out corporate office spaces in large US metropolitan centers, resulting in three potential downstream differential impacts: (1) on places, as demand for urban office spaces, commercial real estate, and housing have changed; (2) on profits, as small and local businesses in proximity to these office spaces depend on office workers and other foot traffic; and, (3) on people, as the livelihoods of many diverse but historically marginalized communities have been disproportionately affected. Regional policymakers concerned about assessing and addressing the downstream differential impacts of changing urban workspaces on places, profits, and people can be more sensitive to their needs with a Main Street analytical framework leveraging data and technology-oriented responses. Support for Main Street can contribute to societal and economic objectives, as a community’s openness, diversity, and inclusiveness can drive regional innovation and growth [38]
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