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Vibrant. Busy. Loud. Colorful. Fun. Messy. These are adjectives often used to describe successful urban retail. Retail is an important component of a healthy community: it makes for an exciting and enlivened pedestrian environment which meets the needs of the community – people that live, work, stay and play in the area. But what makes the retail successful? A retail task force convened by the Arlington Economic Development Commission determined that successful retail requires convenience, appeal, activation and sustainability.

Numerous policies within Arlington have an influence over retail. They range from specific neighborhood plans to the larger Arlington-wide Zoning Ordinance. As Arlington’s retail fabric has matured and broadened, the County has recognized the evolutionary nature of retail and, as a result, has increased awareness and experience about retail to better update the policies that govern it. Retail policies should enhance economic growth for the community and foster an environment in which businesses can be successful. As the County begins the process of updating its policies, it should not be viewed as a simple tightening or loosening of existing rules and regulations: rather, updates will provide both clarity and direction to existing policies such that retail can become even more successful in Arlington.

So, how best can Arlington approach such an update? We can start by looking at the policies and how they influence retail from the inside, the outside and all around. Click here to read more.