Vision, Mission & Philosophy

Downtowns have a special place in the minds of Americans – we think fondly of colorful 4th of July parades down Main Street, shopping trips spent gazing at holiday storefront displays, or a pleasant stroll along bustling pedestrian oriented avenues.

For many communities, these are more than just memories, they are the reality of today – vibrant downtowns that serve to enhance and encourage community spirit.

Community leaders and citizens across the Commonwealth are working diligently to ensure that their downtowns and the neighborhoods that surround them remain viable centers of activity. Motivated to regain the sense of community lost to suburban sprawl, these citizens desire to live in places they are proud to call home. The Pennsylvania Downtown Center is leading the movement to ensure that the Commonwealth’s core communities of all shapes and sizes continue to prosper.

Since 1987, the Pennsylvania Downtown Center has been providing local groups with the techniques and strategies they need to recapture or sustain their downtown as a vibrant civic, social and economic center of activity. Our diverse membership and directorship is comprised of:

• Main Street Managers & Boards
• Improvement Districts & Authorities
• Neighborhood Revitalization Organization
• Economic Development Corporations
• Municipal Officials
• City, Borough & Township Offices
• Community Volunteers
• Corporate Advisors
• Partnering Statewide Organizations

The PDC revitalization philosophy identifies ongoing professional management as a critical key to success. Our objective assessments, educational and training programs, publications, and resource library have been designed to offer crucial assistance to downtown and our dedicated neighborhood revitalization professional Staff and Board are committed to providing useable and timely information. PDC Programs and Services provide affordable outreach and technical assistance to communities, tailored to their unique economic and social environment.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Pennsylvania Downtown Center is to advance the sense of place, quality of life and economic vitality of Pennsylvania’s downtowns, traditional neighborhood business districts and nearby residential areas.

Vision Statement

We provide our membership with the tools to outline their vision of a healthy downtown and assist them in achieving that vision through action-oriented programs. The Pennsylvania Downtown Center is committed to helping communities through education, training, strategic partnerships, and advocacy efforts, as reflected in the three components of our Vision Statement organization.

A. Quality Service

PDC is a PA-based and IRS recognized 501 (c) (3) non profit organization that is the voice of Pennsylvania’s downtowns and surrounding neighborhood. PDC is a member-focused and service –oriented organization that provides assistance to communities regardless of their size or financial situation.

B. Sound & Stable Finances

The PDC recognizes and values the support we receive from the PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). In addition, o the funds we receive from DCED, we receive income from our members, the business community, and fees for service. We actively seek and obtain support from the philanthropic community.

C. Strong & Capable Organizations

The PDC has an energized and empowered Board of Directors. The expectation of our staff is high, realistic and goal-oriented. We provide our staff with the tools and support necessary to perform at exceptional levels. Our staff satisfies both our DCED contract responsibilities and the needs of our membership. We measure the outcomes and impact of our work.