Pennsylvania Downtown Center Celebrates New Main Street Matters Designation for City Ave District

Harrisburg, PA — December 2025 — The Pennsylvania Downtown Center (PDC) is proud to celebrate the City Ave District receiving a Main Street Matters designation through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) and the Shapiro Administration. This designation recognizes City Ave District’s commitment to strategic revitalization and positions the corridor to access up to $225,000 in competitive grant funding, along with free technical assistance.

Uniquely spanning Philadelphia and Bala Cynwyd in Montgomery County, City Ave District is one of Pennsylvania’s few multi-county Main Street designations. The approved five-year strategy focuses on three connected nodes along City Avenue—Bala Avenue, 54th Street near Saint Joseph’s University, and 63rd Street adjacent to the Overbrook Regional Rail Station. Planned initiatives include improving walkability, attracting new retail and dining options, enhancing greenspace, installing public art, and reinvesting in vacant and underutilized properties.

Main Street Matters, launched by Governor Josh Shapiro in 2024, is a cornerstone of Pennsylvania’s economic development strategy to support small businesses, strengthen downtowns, and build vibrant, people-centered communities. The Governor secured an additional $20 million for the program in the 2025–26 state budget, underscoring the Commonwealth’s continued investment in Main Streets across Pennsylvania.

“As DCED’s nonprofit partner and the statewide coordinating program for Main Street America, PDC looks forward to supporting the City Ave District team as they implement their strategy and build on the corridor’s strong foundation,” said Julie Fitzpatrick, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Downtown Center. “This designation reflects the power of collaboration across municipal boundaries and the important role Main Streets play in strengthening local economies and quality of life.”

PDC will provide ongoing technical assistance, training, and guidance to City Ave District as they move forward with implementation, helping ensure the corridor reaches its full potential as a connected, inclusive, and economically resilient Main Street.