A tower and other buildings.
A view of The Strat Hotel & Casino & Tower from downtown Las Vegas.
  • North American downtowns are struggling as remote work dominates the white-collar workforce.
  • A University of Toronto study shows a gradual uptick in downtown foot traffic.
  • Downtowns are looking to transition into mixed-use districts and ease their dependence on offices.

As remote work cements its grip on the white-collar workforce, North American downtowns are working to fight off a downward spiral.

Many are attempting the transition from office-only districts to mixed-use neighborhoods with new residents and businesses. But breathing new life into areas dominated by half-empty office buildings is proving challenging.