Pennsylvania Downtown Center

Over the last four days, the Derck & Edson downtown revitalization team, Mark Evans AICP PP AIA, Jane Smith, and Kyle Stauffer, were inspired by so many of our peers at the national #MainStreetNow2025 conference in Philadelphia. We connected with hundreds of passionate leaders and visionaries for Main Street revitalization during the event from across Pennsylvania and the country. As Board Chair of the Pennsylvania Downtown Center, our principal, James Wenger, gave the welcome address to nearly 2,000 people at the Kimmel Center on Monday, followed by welcome messages from both Philadelphia Mayor Parker and Pennsylvania Governor Shapiro. What a great week to celebrate the accomplishments of so many Main Street leaders!

🚨 Final Call! 🚨 Monday, March 31, 2025, is the last day to register for the Main Street Now 2025 Conference in Philadelphia, happening April 6-9! Don’t miss the chance to connect with local leaders and place professionals driving grassroots revitalization nationwide—right in our own backyard! 🏙️✨ #MainStreetNow #Philly2025 #CommunityRevitalization #SaveTheDate

Advocating for Pennsylvania’s Main Streets in D.C.! 🇺🇸 PDC Executive Director Julie Fitzpatrick, Kendy Alvarez of Lewisburg, and Sam Thrush of Chambersburg, PA had a productive day meeting with legislators and their teams to discuss the importance of community revitalization. 📍 Meetings in D.C.: 1. Senator McCormick and his team at Keystone Coffee ☕ 2. Sarah Jacobs from Rep. Dean’s office 3. Jack Klinger from Rep. Fitzpatrick’s office 4. Madeleine Marr from Sen. Fetterman’s office 5. Representative Joyce 6. Representative Meuser (impromptu meeting!) 7. Rep. Thompson – a quick hello & photo We are grateful for the opportunity for PDC and local leaders to advocate for Pennsylvania’s downtowns and neighborhoods! 🏛️ #PAMainStreets #CommunityRevitalization #Advocacy #MainStreetMatters

📢 We need volunteers for Main Street Now 2025 in Philly! Lend a hand, be part of the action, and get $160 off your registration when you volunteer for 6.5+ hours. Whether you’re a local or traveling in, this is a great way to give back while enjoying the conference experience! Sign up today 👉 https://lnkd.in/epcH2xAq #MainStreetNow #MSN25 #Volunteer #Philly #CommunityRevitalization

Reminder: ⏳ Don’t miss out! Early bird registration for the Main Street Now 2025 Conference ends February 4th! Save your spot (and some $$) to join us in Philly this April for inspiring sessions, networking, and more. 🏙️✨ Register now: www.MainStreetNow.org #MainStreetNow #MSN25 #CommunityRevitalization #SaveTheDate

Main Street Managers from across the state convened in Mount Lebanon, PA this week for our second Manager’s Meeting of the season. Attendees had the opportunity to learn more about Vibrant Uptown, a streetscape project in Mount Lebanon dedicated to improving sidewalks and lighting of the municipality. Thank you to PA Department of Community & Economic Development for joining us to provide updates on Main Street Matters and a special shoutout to the Mt. Lebanon Municipality and Eric Milliron for being such a gracious host!

We couldn't have asked for a more perfect day for our first fall 2024 Managers Meeting in Honesdale, PA! After hearing some key updates from DCED, Main Street Managers had the chance to explore the downtown and see some of the exciting projects taking place in the town. Special thanks to Sandi Levens of Greater Honesdale Partnership for being an excellent host. We also want to give a shoutout to Christie Yerger, DCED, Vicky Botjer, Wayne County & Wayne Tomorrow, and James Hamill, Pocono Mountain Vistors Bureau. Thank you all for making the day so great! #MainStreetMatters #PDC #WorkingTogether #PA

It’s always a great day for a Main Street designation shoutout! A couple months ago, Pennsylvania Downtown Center joined the Lewisburg Downtown Partnership and DCED to announce Lewisburg as a Keystone Communities Main Street. “As the state partner with DCED and the state coordinator with the National Main Street Center, we value the vision and support that the Commonwealth continues to provide to our Main Street program,” said Julie Fitzpatrick, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Downtown Center. “We look forward to assisting Lewisburg Downtown Partnership over these next five years to enhance their economic vitality and quality of life, helping them create the greatest impact in their downtown and community. We can’t wait to see what all Lewisburg accomplishes! Read the full press release from DCED: https://lnkd.in/eHg9wVBZ #designation #PDC #Lewisburg #DCED

Last week, our Executive Director, Julie Fitzpatrick, had the honor of presenting at the U.S. Department of Transportation Symposium on Transportation and Climate in Washington, D.C. She joined a distinguished panel to discuss innovative approaches for safe mobility and climate solutions in Main Street and Elm Street communities across Pennsylvania. Julie highlighted PDC’s impactful partnership with PA’s Department of Health and the PA WalkWorks program, showcasing creative strategies to enhance transportation options while addressing climate challenges. A special shoutout to Sam for representing PDC and PA WalkWorks at the symposium! 🚶♀️🌳 #Transportation #ClimateAction #CommunityDevelopment #MainStreet #ElmStreet #PDC #PAWalkWorks #USDOT

Exciting News! Last night, the state budget passed with fantastic outcomes for our community. We’re thrilled to announce that Main Street Matters will receive $20 million in funding! This crucial support will empower us to enhance our neighborhoods and drive local prosperity. Stay tuned as the Pennsylvania Downtown Center, DCED, and all of the Main Streets and Elms Streets of Pennsylvania embark on this transformative journey together! 🏙️💼 Budget: https://lnkd.in/eQPtAXv2 Fiscal Code: https://lnkd.in/eBmiSjqv #MainStreetMatters #DCED #CommunityDevelopment #StateBudget2024 #PDC