News & Alerts

Think Small: Supporting Businesses in Your Community

Borough News - June 2020 Issue

The Community Development Block Grant - CARES (CDBG-CV)

The Community Development Block Grant – CARES (CDBG-CV) Application and Guidelines are available for review.

Pennsylvania Downtown Center offers limited COVID-related technical assistance

PDC is offering complimentary remote community development advice and technical assistance statewide for COVID-19-related issues from now through June 30, 2020.

Insurance Department Warns of Risks, Increased Liability with Non-Compliance of Business Closure Orders

Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Jessica Altman today reminded businesses of the importance of complying with Governor Tom Wolf and Department of Health Secretary Rachel Levine’s orders – for counties in both the red and yellow phases.

Introducing PolicyMap COVID-19 Quick Maps

Do you have questions about COVID-19 risks and spread in your community? Do you need to better understand where vulnerable populations live in order to ensure equitable responses? Get answers with our new public edition (BETA) COVID-19 Quick Maps with data ranging from trends in county level cases and deaths to neighborhood level estimates of underlying health condition.

The Food Trust's Food Bucks Network

Special Promotion: Spend $2/Get $2 - This month, in response to the COVID-19 crisis, SNAP participants can bring home more fresh produce: For every $2 you spend at our farmers markets using your EBT card, you'll get $2 in Food Bucks to use on more fruits and veggies!

Housing Equality Center of Pennsylvania

Updated Information on COVID-19 and Eviction Protections for Renters and Homeowners

SBA Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)

The SBA will resume accepting Paycheck Protection Program applications from participating lenders on Monday, April 27, 2020 at 10:30am EDT.

USDA Farmers To Families Food Box

As part of the Coronavirus Farm Assistance Program Secretary Perdue announced on April 17 that the USDA is exercising authority under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act to purchase and distribute up to $3 billion of agricultural products to those in need.

Emergency Solutions Grant – CARES Act (ESG-CV)

The Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED), has received notice of the award of the first allocation of Emergency Solutions Grant program funds appropriated under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) - ESG-CV funds.

Gov. Wolf Signs Senate Bill 841 to Provide Flexibility to Local Governments and Businesses

Governor Tom Wolf signed Senate Bill 841 today that helps local communities and businesses respond to the COVID-19 emergency and protect the public. The bill provides flexibility on property tax deadlines, allows remote public meetings and notarization of documents so online vehicle sales can resume.

Main Street America finds up to 7.5 million small businesses in danger of closing permanently

More than 60 percent of surveyed small businesses in Pennsylvania at risk of closure in five months

Fraud Alert!

PDC has been informed by our contacts at PA Small Business Development Centers that no one should need to pay for services to apply for SBA loans.

A Note From PDC's Executive Director

We hope everyone is staying healthy and safe in this crazy mixed-up time. We understand that things are still changing, and we are all learning how to respond in the best way possible to be of assistance to our local businesses and non-profit partners.

An update to the PDC network regarding COVID-19

First of all, our hope is that you and your families are safe and healthy, and that you continue to be so. As the situation evolves, we will make every attempt to respond appropriately. But, at the moment, we are closely monitoring the recommendations from the Governor’s Office, the PA Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control for regular updates.

Thrush Completes Downtown Revitalization Academy

Ellen Ruby, left, executive director of Lewisburg (Pa.) Downtown Partnership, and Sam Thrush, president of Downtown Chambersburg (Pa.) Inc., display the certificates they earned for completing the Community Revitalization Academy at the Pennsylvania Downtown Center’s office in Harrisburg. The academy is a series of five, two-day workshops designed for first-year Main Street and Elm Street managers, as well as other revitalization professionals.

PREVENTING SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST AND SAVING LIVES

Downtown Camp Hill board of directors came together to fund the First Save Station to be installed in the State. The AED device is being installed on an outside wall at a downtown business.

Request for Proposals - Downtown Honesdale Revitalization Consultant

GHP is seeking a qualified consultant to develop a Downtown Honesdale Revitalization Plan (DHRP). The project is funded through Local Share Account – Monroe County, Department of Community & Economic Development for the commercial district within the Borough of Honesdale, Wayne County.

Where Women Made History

Help us discover 1,000 places where American women have left their mark.

The Winners of the Small Business Saturday Neighborhood Champion Innovation Contest Are...

Congratulations to PA's Bradford Main Street program for "Cookie Crawl" and to Downtown Carlisle for their "Love Local" campaign - two of the 16 Main Street programs to win in the National Main Street Champion Innovation Contest.

Reading to host statewide downtown improvement conference

Officials say it's an opportunity to showcase examples of community revitalization in the city and Berks County.

Punxsutawney PRIDE showcase transformation sketches at meeting

PUNXSUTAWNEY — At a “vision update” meeting this week, Punxsutawney PRIDE showcased transformation sketches of what downtown could be with select improvements.

Ebensburg Borough gains new recognition on National Register of Historic Places

EBENSBURG – Ebensburg Borough is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. According to a press release from the borough, the historic district nomination was recently approved by the National Park Service for the list, which is the nation’s official index of properties that are recognized for their significance in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering and/or culture.

OMI leads effort to bring a theater back to Downtown Oxford

Oxford leaders see an entertainment venue as an important piece to the ongoing revitalization efforts.

Check out the new businesses and historic restorations fueling Wilkinsburg’s renaissance

When Tracey Evans looks at the Wilkinsburg Train Station, she doesn’t see it in its current, dilapidated state. She pictures what once was, and what soon will be.

Erie Hit ‘Rock Bottom.’ The Former Factory Hub Thinks It Has a Way Out.

Pennsylvania city aims to plow $150 million from mix of public, private sources to rebuild blighted downtown; ‘We might not have another chance’

Streetscape project in Bradford a boost for economic development

You could argue that looks aren’t everything — but in Bradford, one of the northern gateways to The Pennsylvania Wilds, local leaders are taking major steps to improve the façade of the downtown while preserving the historic architecture that so many small towns within the Wilds adore.

Working toward ‘a better Plymouth’

PLYMOUTH — Residents, business owners and council members met on Monday night at the Wyoming Valley West high school cafeteria for the second of five planned meetings to discuss the revitalization of Plymouth in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Downtown Center.

Dean’s Way Dedication Planned for Cherry Street Mural Corridor

The Cherry Street Mural Corridor is a collection of public art created over the past 6 years. During this time, individual artists and hundreds of community volunteers have worked together with property owners to create this unique outdoor gallery.

City of Sharon Maps Its Revitalization

Sharon is following the four-point approach of the Main Street America program – Economic Vitality, Design, Promotion and Organization – “a model that’s worked time and time again in communities,” Phillips says. The city will work with a consultant from the Pennsylvania Downtown Center to develop a five-year plan, then apply to the national Main Street organization for recognition of its plan.

Upcoming New Manager Training - CANCELLED

New Manager Training scheduled for September 30 & October 1 has been cancelled.

New Survey: Independent Businesses See Major Threats in Amazon, Corporate Concentration

The results of the 2019 Independent Business Survey from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance demonstrate the strength and resiliency of small, independent businesses. They also speak to the forces independents see as significant threats and roadblocks to their businesses: a playing field made uneven by policies that favor their bigger competitors, highly concentrated markets for key supplies and services, and difficulty securing capital, among other barriers.

2019 Townie Award Winners

Pennsylvania Downtown Center (PDC) recently presented ten (10) awards during the organization’s annual statewide Townie Awards gala.

PA Lt. Governor visits Downtown Shenandoah Inc. innovation center site

Pennsylvania's Lieutenant Governor, John Fetterman, was in town Friday, meeting with Downtown Shenandoah, Inc., state, and local officials, and business leaders to learn about the revitalization organization's plans for an innovation and event center on North Main Street.

Pennsylvania Downtown Center Awards Best Performing Programs

Pennsylvania Downtown Center has named its best performing Main Street programs of 2019. This award recognizes those programs that have demonstrated an “across the board” capacity to generate new jobs, new businesses, public and private investment and volunteer hours during 2018.

2019 Conference Session Presentations

Presentations are available for download now!

Flip This Town: Episode #218

Recorded live at the Main Street Now Conference in Seattle, Ron and Kristi welcome Bill Fontana, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Downtown Center. Tune in as they explore the incredible things happening in downtowns across Pennsylvania, and Bill's insights on what's next for Main Street.

Pennsylvania Council on the Arts Announces New Funding Opportunity for Creative Placekeeping Projects

The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA) announced the launch of Pennsylvania Creative Communities, a new initiative to support vibrant communities across the commonwealth.

$15M for Keystone Communities Program

PA Downtown Center requests $15 Million for the Keystone Communities Program Line Item in the DCED budget, before supplemental appropriations.

What If All Community Development Started with Local Arts and Culture?

Dee Briggs was expecting to do a routine demolition when she bought the vacant house next to her art studio in Wilkinsburg, Pa.

Day in the Life: Small but mighty in Easton

This summer, Keystone Edge is hitting the road to share the stories of people across Pennsylvania working in economic and community development. As you’ll discover, this exciting field involves so much more than just sitting behind a desk — it requires engaging the community, forging connections, and tackling new challenges on a daily basis. The “Day In the Life” series is created in partnership with the Pennsylvania Economic Development Association and Team Pennsylvania.

PDC Staff News

Congratulations to PDC's Assistant Director, Julie Fitzpatrick! In July 2019 Julie will transition into the Executive Director position.

Governor Wolf Approves Support for 22 Community Revitalization Projects Throughout Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, PA – Today, Governor Tom Wolf announced the approval of funding through the Keystone Communities program to support 22 community revitalization projects across the commonwealth.

Downtown Allentown wins Global Award for Excellence

The “Downtown Allentown Revitalization District (including PPL Center Arena Block & City Center Allentown)” was one of 13 real estate development projects worldwide to win the Urban Land Institute’s (ULI) 2017-2018 Global Award for Excellence, which is widely recognized as the land use industry’s most prestigious award.

PBS39 | FOCUS - Season 5, Episode 2

We focus on community and economic development. The United Nations eyes Bethlehem, PA as a world heritage site; one of the Lehigh Valley's busiest commuter corridors marks a special milestone; and partners aim to restore a downtown Allentown neighborhood one building at a time.

PA Downtown Center Gala

Were you there? Are you here? Thank you Susquehanna Style for sharing in our celebration with style scene.

Kennet Square Bursting At The Seams With Unprecedented Growth

“The development activity in this town, and the interest in this town, is immense,” said Rusty Drumheller, the borough’s codes enforcement officer. Drumheller said many people have come to his office expressing an interest in Kennett Square.

Restored Historic Spa Rejuvenates Both Its Guests and Nearby Bedford, Pennsylvania

The eight mineral springs of Bedford, Pennsylvania have been a mecca of rejuvenation for over two centuries…and for thousands of years before that, when one includes the original Native American residents.

Governor Wolf Visits West Reading

Governor Wolf was there to see revitalization projects funded by the state Department of Community and Economic Development in collaboration with the West Reading Community Revitalization Foundation's Main Street program and the Elm Street program.

Governor Wolf tours revitalized Scranton neighborhood

“The state can’t, shouldn’t do everything,” the governor said. “This is really a community activity, but if the state can help and be supportive through things like the tax credits, like the Elm Street Program or the Main Street Program, we ought to be doing that. It’s really helpful to all of us to see success stories like this.”

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