Downtown Visalia, California, has been welcoming new businesses and celebrating century-old shops like Brown's Shoe Fit Company, which has been there since 1912. The City of Visalia Mayor, Brett Taylor, believes that small businesses are the backbone of the city's economy, particularly small mom and pop shops. Most businesses are owned by individuals who live and work in Visalia. Non-profits, including Downtown Visalians, host events to increase foot traffic and ensure buildings don't sit empty for too long.