The central downtown area is not attractive for walking, and presents a dirty and dry image to tourists. Sidewalks are dirty, and there is simply not enough shade. The character of the downtown area can be completely changed without spending a lot of money.

The City should implement a clean sidewalk ordinance for downtown. Downtown property owners should be responsible for keeping their sidewalks clean and free of debris such as newspapers, trash, cigarette butts, chewing gum, and stains. A periodic wash should be required. This can be done without using a lot of water.

Second, there should be a tree- planting initiative all over the City, but with focus on downtown. Trees provide a beautiful, soft and welcoming image. Trees that provide real shade should be planted, not saguaros, palms, or flimsy mesquites. There are some varieties of trees and tall shrubs that are hardy in this climate and litter-free, and have roots that won’t disturb the sidewalk. The grey water from washing sidewalks could be pushed into the tree planters to use water wisely. Shade downtown will help reduce the heat-island effect.

Also, hardy flowers and desert plants can be planted in window boxes at businesses, hotels and apartment complexes to further this soft image.

Third, there should be an initiative for downtown property owners to put up awnings to shade their sidewalks and businesses. Awnings can be designed to give a charming European, artistic or Old West look to the streets. It may take some planning decisions to come up with acceptable colors and styles. I realize there may be a public safety aspect to obscuring sidewalks from aerial view, but you could require the awnings to be rolled up at night and during emergencies, or there may be electronic means to get around this objection.