Revitalize Downtown Harrisburg

Progress in Harrisburg, PA starts here. This is your resource for ideas and actions underway for revitalizing our city center. Whether you’re a resident or visitor, we hope you’ll stay connected and participate in change!

Securing Investment

The foundation of this effort began with securing dedicated funding for both the planning process and immediate, tangible improvements.
Collecting Ideas

At the heart of this process is a deep effort to hear from the community. From one-on-one conversations to city-wide public workshops, every voice has an opportunity to shape the direction.
Strategy & Action

All of the insights gathered are synthesized into a concrete strategic plan that translates what the community said into clear priorities, goals, and next steps for downtown's future.

News

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We Asked, You Answered: 4,000 people responded to a survey on the future of downtown Harrisburg. Now, it’s time to move ahead.

About 100 days ago, a coalition of leaders from city, county and state government joined with the business community to begin building a long-term revitalization strategy for downtown Harrisburg. Every serious economic development planning effort like this starts the same way: you stop talking and start listening…

5 / 28

Burg View: Green Shoots Downtown

Last month, the stunning Coronet Park debuted, a fabulous new outdoor event space just off Market Square. The McGrath’s expansion may open as soon as this weekend (pending final PLCB approval, says the owner) right at the corner of N. 2nd and Locust streets, and, in June, Crispy Halal, Madame Rochele’s Apothecary and the new spacious Denim Coffee are all set to open…

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Halal restaurant coming to downtown Harrisburg, slated to open next month

Harrisburg soon will welcome a new Halal restaurant downtown. Crispy Halal, located at 209 N. 2nd St., will open as soon as the first week of June, according to Mohammad Ayaz, who owns the business with his father…

FAQ

What is the Downtown Harrisburg Revitalization initiative?

It’s a coordinated effort by city, county, state, and regional partners to strengthen downtown Harrisburg as an economic, cultural, and residential hub. The initiative brings together residents, business leaders, community partners, and elected officials around a shared vision for downtown Harrisburg.

Is there real funding behind this, or just talk?

Real funding. In March 2026, the Shapiro Administration announced a $425,000 investment: $350,000 to CREDC to develop a Downtown Revitalization Action Plan and $75,000 to the Harrisburg Downtown Improvement District to enhance safety and security in the downtown core. The Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority for Harrisburg (ICA) also granted CREDC $50,000 which kickstarted planning efforts in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Downtown Center.

What’s happening?

Thousands of survey responses have been gathered, and stakeholder interviews are already underway. We will next hold targeted focus groups with public workshops taking place this summer. We have already begun focusing on making our downtown clean and safe with targeted investments and partnerships.

How long will this take?

We didn’t get here overnight, and it will take time to make the big changes we need to make. We plan to have a draft five-year strategy completed by the summer following robust public engagement.

February

PA Downtown Center kicked off planning with city stakeholders. Public Survey opened.

March

Held Key Person interviews. Collected survey responses. Announced CREDC & DID grant funding.

April

Initial Focus Group & Key Person Interviews (cont.) Collected survey response (cont.) Unveiled Coronet Park on 2nd St downtown.

May through July

Focus Group (cont.) and host Public Workshops. Draft Vision Statement. Confirm Strategic Plan elements.

August

Continue community engagement to refine strategy. Identification of priority project investments.

September

Public unveiling of Downtown Revitalization Strategy.

What about parking?

Parking is one of the most frequently cited barriers, and leaders are aware of it. Advocates are pushing for more flexible and affordable options as part of the revitalization plan. Downtown parking is currently free after 5:00 p.m. daily and free on Sundays.

Why downtown? What about the rest of the city?

Leaders are prioritizing downtown due to the concentration of recent business, retail, and restaurant closures and rapid changes taking place in a post-pandemic workplace.

The goal is a rising tide. A stronger downtown generates tax revenue, attracts visitors, and builds the economic base that makes investment in every corner of Harrisburg more possible. Other parts of the city are receiving attention simultaneously, and downtown plans will complement those, not compete. Check out the recently completed Allison Hill Blueprint developed by our downtown consultants at the PDC.

How can I get involved or share my opinion?

Thousands have already shared their thoughts through surveys and focus groups. We encourage you to connect with us to volunteer or share insights!

Where can I find things to do and upcoming events in Downtown Harrisburg?

Visit ExploreHBG. The site is updated regularly as your go-to resource for discovering what’s happening in Harrisburg. Explore outdoor festivals, live music, local theatre and shopping.

Partners

Senator Patty Kim

Representative Nate Davidson

Representative Dave Madsen