Traditional downtowns are struggling across North America in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Remote work has reduced commuter numbers and foot traffic, leading to rising vacancy rates, store closures, and economic hardship. Decades of overbuilding office space prior to the pandemic exacerbated the problem. Now, many workers are resisting full-time returns to offices, weakening the customer base for downtown businesses. Washington D.C. faces large budget shortfalls from declining revenues. While some cities are converting office space to housing or specialized uses, repurposing has challenges. Other approaches include promoting events and small businesses.

Ultimately, the nation may no longer need as much office space, requiring communities to envision new uses for their downtowns beyond the office blocks of the 20th century.