Friends of Cville Downtown 2023 Accomplishments
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2023 Accomplishments
Friends of Charlottesville Downtown is very proud of all that we have been able to accomplish during our second year as a non-profit. Below is a list of what we’ve done so far. Please stay tuned for all that we are planning next year!
Foster a thriving and diverse Downtown economy.
Re-launched the Friends of Cville website to better support Downtown businesses.
Mapped all Downtown businesses on easy-to-read digital maps.
Marketed Downtown in our weekly general newsletter.
Communicated directly with Downtown businesses through our monthly business
member newsletter.
Secured a weekly news spot on NBC 29 to promote Downtown businesses and events.
Completed dozens of interviews with local, regional, and national news outlets to
promote Downtown Charlottesville.
Facilitated the Downtown gift card program.
Created robust marketing and social media campaigns.
Cultivate a lively and engaging Downtown atmosphere.
Created and promoted the Magic on the Mall event series which includes:
The Holly Trolley Train
The Peppermint Trail
Selfies with Santa
The Elves in Cville Scavenger Hunt
A Hannukah celebration
Holiday window decorating competition.
Holiday decorations downtown.
Organized and ran the Downtown in Bloom Festival which includes:
A Downtown flower market
A flower box competition
Student art on the Downtown Mall
The Spring Stroll drink promotion
A downtown Chalk Festival
Facilitated regular placemaking opportunities including a regular jazz trio on the
Downtown mall, Shamrock Bingo, and a historic walking tour.
Worked with partner organizations to support Downtown events including the Tom Tom
Festival, Paint the Town Orange, Doggie Howloween, Downtown Safe Halloween, and
the Coca-Cola block party.
Create a welcoming environment for all.
Hired maintenance support to clean graffiti and complete light infrastructure repairs.
Facilitated a downtown mall clean up day with volunteers.
Hired off duty police officers to patrol downtown every Thursday – Saturday evening this
summer.
Installed the first round of security cameras on Downtown Mall.
Installed overhead lighting on the Downtown mall.
Refreshed wayfinding kiosks downtown.
Facilitated the restoration of the Coca Cola Ghost Mural on 2nd St.
Lobbied for the continuation of a public restroom option on the Downtown Mall.
Increase our effectiveness to solve problems Downtown.
Developed 1- and 3-year strategic working plans.
Worked with Public Sphere Consulting to evaluate our internal structure and plan for the
future of Friends of Cville.
Joined the International Downtown Association, Center for Non-profit Excellence and the Chamber of Commerce.
Actively participated as part of the Downtown Mall Committee and inaugural Leaders Lab.
Developed crucial relationships with the City of Charlottesville and became trusted advisors whom they regularly call upon.
Hosted regular open meetings with Police Chief to discuss safety issues Downtown.