Struggling US downtowns could take a cue from a small town in England that gave businesses rent-free space

• The UK is experimenting with offering small businesses free rent to revitalize downtown districts.
• The English town of Poole has seen a jump in downtown foot traffic following its initiative. 
• Some US cities have also experimented with similar perks to attract businesses back downtown. 

As many American downtowns struggle to come back to life in a remote-work world, they might want to look across the pond for inspiration.