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Pennsylvania’s Main Streets through the Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted local economies and the day-to-day lives of people in communities across the country and world. Businesses and their customers navigated challenging health and safety protocols that altered how people shopped, dined, and socialized. Businesses of all sizes and in all types of communities were forced to adjust their operations in response to changing regulations, consumer preferences, and safety measures starting with the onset of the pandemic in early 2020. The purpose of this study is to help the Pennsylvania Downtown Center and its stakeholders understand how the pandemic impacted Pennsylvania’s downtown business districts. Importantly, this study assesses the role that Main Street programs played in supporting local businesses during this challenging period and measure the impact of Main Street programming and support services on local economic resiliency.

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How Outdoor Recreation Strengthens Your Local Economy

Outdoor recreation generates $28.5 billion in economic activity in the state of Pennsylvania each year. Earlier this year the Pennsylvania Downtown Center undertook a comprehensive study to understand how the state’s natural assets can serve as an economic driver for its local communities. This session will summarize the study’s findings, including how outdoor recreation impacts the local and statewide economy and the ways in which Nature-Based Placemaking strategies can help direct spending from recreational visitors to local businesses.

Presented by Jon Stover, founder and Managing Partner of Jon Stover & Associates and Leslie Gray, AICP, this session will summarize the study’s findings, including how outdoor recreation impacts the local and statewide economy and the ways in which Nature-Based Placemaking strategies can help direct spending from recreational visitors to local businesses. Recorded July 13, 2021

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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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