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Downtown Inc. outlines events, grants and tree work as Main Street program grows
Summary
Sarah O'Brien, director of Downtown Inc., updated council on downtown marketing, awards, grants, a tree‑replacement DCNR contract, and BID funding, saying BID assessments average about $112,000 and fundraising covers the remainder of the organization's budget.
Sarah O'Brien, director of Downtown Inc., briefed the York City Council on July 21 about downtown revitalization efforts, fundraising and upcoming events.
O'Brien said Downtown Inc. manages the York Business Improvement District and collects about $112,000 in BID assessment revenue, while fundraising typically supplies the rest of the budget. She noted national Main Street accreditation for the second consecutive year, a Townie award for a vacant‑property marketing campaign, a public art toolkit and an LOI submitted to the Pennsylvania Creative Industries program seeking creative‑district designation.
She described placemaking and clean‑and‑green efforts supported by partners, reporting year‑to‑date litter pickup of more than 4,000 pounds and nearly 2,500 volunteer hours. O'Brien listed direct support to small businesses — 18 “bloom” grants, 39 Friday grants and $12,000 allocated to downtown businesses year‑to‑date — and said Downtown Inc. continues to work with the York County Economic Alliance on business recruitment and development projects including the Yorktown Hotel redevelopment and Codorus Greenway beautification.
O'Brien asked the public to support downtown businesses and encouraged volunteers to join events such as First Friday block parties and the Sip & Savor program. She said a tree‑replacement contract through DCNR will begin work on Market Street trees extending to Penn Street, and she previewed an August creative crosswalk installation.
Council members asked about funding sources and O'Brien reiterated that BID assessment revenue is supplemented by philanthropic giving, sponsorships and event revenue. The presentation closed without a council vote; O'Brien said she would return later for a resolution of support if the creative district application requires it.
