Over the past few years, cities nationwide have been reeling from a loss of investments, businesses, and people. The pandemic kicked off a gauntlet of challenges including a spike in crime, the shift to remote working, and the evisceration of small businesses.
City officials are looking for effective ways to breathe life back into their cities. Unfortunately, most leaders are overlooking one of the most powerful weapons in urban revitalization: the public bathroom. Here, we’ll explain exactly how the humble toilet can help cities make a comeback.
Serving basic needs
Most efforts to reinvigorate a city fail because they only treat the symptoms while refusing to address the underlying issues. Installing a public restroom goes to the root of many problems including dirtier streets, increased crime, and decreased public health by addressing a fundamental need. Public restrooms are a universal human right, essential not only for the users but also for the community affected when people lack a place to “go.”
Improving public safety
Crime doesn’t necessarily have to be dangerous to take a toll on a city. For example, Chicago has issued over 29,000 fines for public “going” with most tickets going unpaid. That represents significant tax-payer dollars and police hours going to waste. Some restrooms even actively reduce crime. For example, the Portland Loo’s steel-paneled walls resist damage and graffiti while its angle louvers minimize illicit behavior. When people are safer, they’re more likely to spend time and money downtown.
Promoting public health
Public health is a prerequisite for a thriving city, and adequate facilities have proven to have a positive impact on it. For instance, a lack of public restrooms was blamed as a major cause of a deadly hepatitis A outbreak throughout Southern California. New York official Mark Levine called the Big Apple’s dearth of toilets “a public health problem”, which underscores the universality of the issue. When people have dependable and accessible restrooms, there’s more hand-washing and less human waste in public spaces. 24-hour bathrooms especially help keep the city healthy.
Supporting local businesses
The negative effects of public restrooms disproportionately impact small businesses. For example, public urination and defecation can quickly transform even the busiest streets into ghost towns. Additionally, people are less inclined to spend time downtown when their most basic needs can’t be accommodated. While national companies have the deep pockets to outlast or move, mom-and-pop shops often go under forever. Reliable public restrooms protect local businesses from going under.
Encouraging foot traffic
Walk-ins are a considerable source of revenue for local businesses, especially in urban environments when most people aren’t driving by. When limited public restrooms reduce convenience, increase crime, and soil streets, people inevitably spend less time walking around. This removes a major chunk of income for companies that find it hard to survive without consistent passersby. More restrooms equals more traffic. It’s that simple.
Attracting tourists
Tourists are the first to leave when a city goes downhill. Nobody’s going to spend hard-earned money and limited time off to visit a declining urban area. That also means travelers are the last people to return when a city is improving. Once locals start flooding the streets and small businesses set up shop, the out-of-towners will show their faces again. That means bustling streets, more outside investment, and a better reputation. All that from a public restroom!
Fostering a sense of community
Public restrooms play a crucial role in fostering a sense of community by making everyone feel welcome and accommodated. Accessible and clean facilities are essential for mothers with young children, families, the elderly, the physically disabled, and those experiencing homelessness. Providing a place for people to attend to their basic needs without stress or inconvenience promotes inclusivity and dignity. When everyone feels accepted and accommodated, more people are motivated to contribute to the improvement of their city.
The Portland Loo has been a core part of city revitalization efforts across the country. If you’re interested in bringing a Loo to your city, check out our proven strategies here. Want to learn more? Contact us!
