The Downtown Inc and York County Economic Alliance teams just wrapped up an energizing week in Philadelphia for the 2025 Main Street Now Conference — and we’re returning to York inspired and full of ideas for the future of our historically edgy downtown.
This national gathering brought together community builders, developers, and Main Street leaders from across the country to explore innovative strategies, sustainability efforts, and placemaking solutions happening in towns and cities of all sizes.
One of the standout moments of the week? Celebrating Sarah O’Brien’s one-year anniversary as Director of Downtown Inc and watching her represent York on the national stage. Sarah led a session titled “Hotspots to Cool Zones: Greening our Downtown Destinations,” highlighting York’s approach to making public spaces more welcoming, comfortable, and environmentally conscious. She shared Downtown Inc led initiatives and ways we partner with other organizations to accomplish more green initiatives:
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Cooling downtown with native shade trees
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The colorful and iconic Cherry Lane umbrella installation
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Supporting small businesses through the BLOOM grant program for functional and beautiful awnings
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Creative crosswalks and green beautification efforts
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Collaboration with the Garden Club of York
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York County Trail Towns and increased community connectivity
Throughout the week, our team attended sessions on topics such as fundraising for special events, anti-displacement through community ownership, pop-ups to permanent anchor businesses, integrated communications, visitor data and population trends, participatory public art, dementia-friendly main streets, and building trust across neighborhood corridors. We also explored strategies to reduce vacancy, reimagine the highest and best use of vacant buildings, and advance inclusive representation through creative collaboration.
Philly and York share more than just proximity — both cities are steeped in history, rich in culture, and fueled by a sense of community pride. Both downtowns are strengthened by partnerships between civic champions, private sector collaborators, and passionate local leaders.
We’re heading home with new knowledge, stronger connections, and a renewed commitment to building an even more inclusive, creative, and sustainable Downtown York.
Thank you to Philadelphia for the warm welcome and powerful inspiration. The future of our Main Street is brighter than ever.
