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Small City Vision: The conversation continues on remaking, re-energizing downtown

What are your ideas for a downtown Harrisburg revitalization? Recently, dozens of residents gathered in a classroom at SciTech High, which had emptied of its usual occupants (students) during the school’s summer break. On a warm Thursday afternoon, some 40 folks answered the call to attend a session on the city’s future, namely, its economic future…

How Harrisburg Became a Budget-Friendly Capital for Retirees Seeking Riverfront Living

Retirees looking for an affordable city that offers history, scenery, and everyday convenience may want to consider Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Set on the Susquehanna River, the state capital is also the county seat of Dauphin County, and it was named one of Investopedia’s top 100 places to retire. With riverfront charm and plenty to do, this under-the-radar city is one of Investopedia’s top destinations for retirees…

Harrisburg’s downtown revival needs more than young professionals—it needs seniors with means

Many young people like living in city centers, allowing them to ditch their cars and walk to jobs, restaurants and nightlife. Harrisburg is hoping to attract even more young professionals as it seeks to revive downtown as a bustling business, entertainment and shopping district. But Bradley Jones, president and CEO of Harristown Enterprises, sees another market for downtown living in Harrisburg — people 55 and older…

Downtown revitalization public workshops wrap; business owner focus group planned for next month

The PA Downtown Center held its last day of public workshops for Harrisburg’s downtown revitalization plan Thursday, wrapping up a week of public engagement on the effort. The next step, according to the center’s special projects specialist Iris Quigley, will be analyzing the data compiled not just at the workshops, but earlier focus groups as well as a downtown perception survey distributed last winter…

Got an idea for public art or a pop-up in downtown Harrisburg? These new, state-funded grants could help

Moving forward on a plan to revitalize downtown Harrisburg, local and state officials announced a new grant program Thursday designed to bolster public art and pop-up installations. The “MyHBG Create Your Community” grant program will award between $500 and $2,500 to applicants for “mini” low‑cost community-driven projects that enhance downtown public spaces, improve safety or strengthen the neighborhood’s identity…

Harrisburg’s Second Street sees surge of restaurant openings this summer

Summer 2026 signals a revival along the street, where several establishments have closed in recent years. Already this month, McGrath’s Irish Pub debuted its much-anticipated expansion at the former Arooga’s restaurant at Second and Locust streets. It joins other openings in the city this year, including Sweet T & Greens at 231 North St., which serves upscale soul food…

Series of Public Workshops Announced for Revitalizing Downtown Harrisburg

Events are free and open to the public; no registration required In partnership with city, county and state leaders, the Capital Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC) announced a series of six public workshops this month to help facilitate efforts to revitalize Downtown Harrisburg. The workshops, which will be led by the Pennsylvania Downtown Center…