Welcome to our blog, your go-to source for all things Downtown York. From the latest happenings and upcoming events to exciting news and developments, we keep you informed and connected.
Downtown York will sparkle this winter as the inaugural Champagne Fest takes place January 29 through February 1, 2026, inviting visitors to toast the season with sparkling wine, festive cocktails, and immersive downtown experiences.
The holidays are officially in full swing, and Downtown York is buzzing with festive fun for families, friends, and anyone ready to make the season bright.
Bright Nights 2025 has officially transformed WellSpan Park into a dazzling winter wonderland and the magic doesn’t stop when you leave the ballpark! The experience continues throughout Downtown York, where 30 shops, eateries, and attractions are offering exclusive promotions to anyone who shows their Bright Nights ticket. Whether you’re planning dinner before the show, grabbing a warm drink after your stroll through the lights, or returning another day to finish your holiday shopping, there are plenty of reasons to explore all season long.
This December, Downtown Inc invites the community to help shape the future of York’s urban forest at “Growing Together: Shaping York’s Urban Forest” on Tuesday, December 16th at 5:30pm at The Gunter-Smith Center for Community Engagement, 59 E Market St.
This Giving Tuesday (December 2), we invite you to invest in this work. Every contribution — big or small — helps us continue making Downtown York vibrant, welcoming, and full of possibility. Together, we can build a downtown where everyone belongs.
Downtown York is brimming with opportunity and Downtown Inc is ready to show you what’s possible. Our new Imagine the Possibilities campaign invites developers, entrepreneurs, and investors to see Downtown York through a fresh lens, one filled with momentum, creativity, and growth.
This week, I had the honor of sitting down with local legend and creative forces from her decades long career as an artist, including 30 pieces on loan from private collections and 30 pieces from her own personal collection, it is a visual autobiography, each piece marking a significant chapter in her journey. From her early days as a world-class illustrator for companies like Utz, to her time as a beloved teacher at Bradly Academy and York College of Pennsylvania, Brenda has always been guided by one thing: the certainty that she was born to paint.
Downtown Inc is pleased to announce the winners of the 25th Annual Downtown First Awards, held at Valencia Ballroom on the evening of Thursday, August 7, 2025. The winners from each category represent exceptional businesses, organizations, and individuals who have put Downtown York first, through their commitments of time, advocacy, and resources.
Downtown Inc is pleased to announce a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the development of a Tree Inventory & Urban Forestry Management Plan for Downtown York. This important project will guide future tree planting, maintenance, and sustainability efforts in our city’s core, contributing to a greener, healthier, and more vibrant Downtown.
Whether you’re just getting started, newly opened, or looking to grow, this blog serves as your go-to guide for essential information, support, and tools available through Downtown Inc and our partners. Browse the documents and links below to find what you need—all in one place.
OUR MISSION: To drive, enhance, and encourage investment in Downtown York. Our historic downtown has been a thriving hub of commerce and trade since its founding in 1741.
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Director, Downtown Inc
Sarah O’Brien joined the York County Economic Alliance as Director of Downtown Inc in April 2024.
Sarah boasts over 20 years of experience in downtown revitalization and Main Street organizational leadership. Throughout her career, she has worked for City governments, Main Street organizations, travel and tourism non-profits and has served various leadership capacities across Texas, including having served as a two-time past President of Texas Downtown. Sarah believes community engagement is the singular purpose that connects each role and can inspire transformational change.
Sarah moved to the City of York in December 2023 with her two chihuahuas Boomer & Betsy. A native Texan, Sarah has roots in York County, where her ancestors roamed the streets of Downtown York almost two hundred years ago.
Urban Revitalization Manager
Bronley joined the York County Economic Alliance and Downtown Inc team in June of 2023 after seven years with the Pennsylvania House of Representatives at the office of State Rep. Carol Hill-Evans of York. During this time, he worked closely with the Representative and House Leadership to bring development funding to Downtown York and York County.
Born and raised in YoCo and a York City resident for over five years, Bronley is deeply committed to the success and vibrancy of our City and County and builds on his relationships across government, business, and community leaders to implement innovative solutions to continually make York a better place to live, work, and play. Bronley carries out Downtown Inc’s urban revitalization strategy, which includes “clean and green” activities, historic preservation, redevelopment, public art and mural installation and management, wayfinding, bike and pedestrian improvements, and public safety as well as working across the YCEA organization to advance strategic economic development initiatives.
Bronley is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and recently received his Masters in Public Policy and Administration from York College of Pennsylvania.
Marketing & Merchant Engagement Manager
Hannah joined our York County Economic Alliance and Downtown Inc team after three years at the York County SPCA developing and implementing fundraising campaigns, marketing and communications plans, and community outreach.
Hannah has become known by many through her avid support of our Downtown merchant community, her energy and enthusiasm at business ribbon cuttings and announcements, and her commitment to celebrating the success of our York community. Hannah organizes and leads the First Friday committee, manages the Welcoming Communities Grant Program, and is a lead for the Bloom Grant outreach and communication for the Downtown Inc team.
Born and raised in York County, Hannah is a graduate of York College of Pennsylvania and recently completed her Masters in Management and Leadership.
Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer
Katie Mahoney joined the York County Economic as Vice President, Marketing & Communications, in 2017, and began leadership of the Downtown Inc team in 2019, shortly after the affiliation.
She has an extensive career in non-profit fundraising, special events, marketing, and development, including previous roles at the Children’s Home of York, YWCA York, and Delone Catholic High School. During her time with the YCEA and Downtown Inc, Katie has launched the #MakeThingsHappen slogan, the I ❤ YoCo campaign, and the Historically Edgy re-brand for Downtown York. Katie is secretary of the Board of Directors for the York County SPCA, and on the board of the York Symphony Orchestra, as well as marketing committees for York Day Nursery and the Farm & Natural Land Trust.
Katie is a Pittsburgh-native turned City of York resident, where she lives with her beloved rescue pitbull, Cora.
