Ross Street Live: Santa Rosa's Downtown Experiment

We explore what makes a downtown work and what creates that effortless energy that draws people to the heart of a city. Santa Rosa is launching Ross Street Live, a new downtown experiment that will bring food trucks, live music, markets and family activities to Ross Street. The goal is to give people more reasons to come downtown and more reasons to stay. This week on North Bay 101, we discuss the initiative and then dive into the bigger question underneath it. For decades, Santa Rosa leaders, business owners and residents have been trying to create a downtown that feels vibrant, connected and full of life, but an enduring formula has remained elusive. . From pedestrian-friendly streets and community events to identity, perception and the challenge of getting people to stay awhile, we explore what makes a downtown work and what creates that effortless energy that draws people to the heart of a city. Episode Guests:   Natalie Hanson: Reporter, The Press Democrat   Marie McCusker: Executive Director, Petaluma Downtown Association   Pauline Block: Chair, Santa Rosa Downtown Action Organization Looking for more North Bay News? Download the NorCal Public Media App to your device for access to the latest news, podcasts episodes, and our KRCB 104.9 FM livestream.