Comparing Downtown Recoveries: NYC Ranks Worst, Indianapolis Stronger, San Antonio Tops

New York City's downtown recovery post-COVID ranks among the worst in the US, with foot traffic in Midtown and Lower Manhattan only at 66% of pre-pandemic levels, according to a study by the University of Toronto. The city's 33% drop in foot traffic places it 54th out of 66 cities studied. The analysis suggests that the slow recovery is partly due to commercial office tenants giving up their leases. The Partnership of the City of New York disputes the accuracy of the study, citing the presence of business districts across the five boroughs. Las Vegas, Nevada, is the only city in the rankings to exhibit greater foot traffic in its downtown than before the pandemic.