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Empowering Pennsylvania’s Communities Since 1987

For over three decades, the Pennsylvania Downtown Center (PDC) has been at the forefront of revitalizing and reinvigorating communities across the Commonwealth. As the only statewide nonprofit solely dedicated to this mission, we have worked tirelessly to provide affordable services and benefits to communities of all sizes, from large urban neighborhoods to small rural towns. Our team of experienced urban and regional planners, communications experts, and event planners collaborates with a network of business members, including planning, engineering, and architecture firms, to offer comprehensive guidance and support tailored to each community’s unique needs.

At PDC, we understand that the key to successful revitalization lies in ongoing professional management and strategic partnerships. By engaging local community leaders, volunteers, and state legislators, we strive to enhance the sense of place, quality of life, and economic vitality of Pennsylvania’s downtowns, traditional neighborhood business districts, and nearby residential areas. As a Main Street America Coordinating Program, we are part of a powerful, grassroots network committed to creating high-quality places and building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development.

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Statewide Main Street Program Accomplishments (1987-2023)

The program’s success is evident in the creation of new jobs, establishment of thriving businesses, and the completion of numerous building and public space projects. These achievements have been made possible through significant public and private investments and the dedication of countless volunteer hours committed by community members passionate about revitalizing their downtowns and neighborhoods.

24,569 Net FTE Jobs
7,522 Net New Businesses
6,618 Total Building Projects
$1,888,160,370 Total Public & Private Investment
1,161,293 Volunteer Hours
1,495 Public Space Projects

PA’s Main Streets through the Pandemic

The Impact of the PA Main Street Program on Local Economic Resiliency

During the pandemic, Pennsylvania’s Main Streets were an essential link between State decision-makers and resources and the needs of downtown communities. Main Street programming proved to be a vital tool not just for economic recovery, but also to create the pre-conditions, such as diverse business mixes and customer bases, that bolster economic resiliency. This report reflects the nuanced nature of local economies during a global health crisis. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to supporting downtowns in Pennsylvania and beyond, distributing ongoing resources, funding, and programmatic support is vital to the future economic resilience of businesses across the state.

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Designing for Distance

Access the full reports of the conceptual designs and the recorded virtual workshop

The Designing for Distance (D4D) project came from PDC’s COVID-19 Recovery and Resiliency Task Force, Public Space Working Group. PDC had an existing grant agreement with the Pennsylvania Historical Museum Commission (PHMC) to develop a Design Guidelines handbook. Still, when COVID hit, it became evident that there was an opportunity to develop something that could be more responsive to the needs of the communities. The Designing for Distance project was born.

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Become a Member and Strengthen Your Community

Join the Pennsylvania Downtown Center and access a wide range of resources and support to help your community flourish. As a member, you’ll enjoy discounted services, stay informed about funding opportunities, and connect with a statewide network of dedicated professionals working to revitalize Pennsylvania’s downtowns and neighborhoods.

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