Why Downtown York - Downtown Investment Guide by Downtown York PA

TO DOWNTOWN YORK, PA! WELCOME

We’re thrilled that you’re considering investing in or expanding your business in Downtown York!

Downtown Inc is a dynamic partnership between the York Business Improvement District Authority and Main Street York, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. As an affiliate of the York County Economic Alliance, we work together to make meaningful things happen in our community.

Our mission at Downtown Inc is to revitalize and stimulate investment in Downtown York through four key pillars: Promotions, Economic Development, Placemaking, and Public Safety. Our dedicated team consists of four staff members, 11 board directors, and numerous passionate volunteers who serve on committees and as downtown ambassadors, all working towards advancing the organization’s goals.

Why Choose Downtown York?

Strategic Location

Situated in the heart of the East Coast, Downtown York enjoys proximity to major cities, influencing its vibrant art, music, and cultural scene.

Rich History

Established in 1741, our historic Downtown has been a thriving center for commerce and trade for centuries, boasting architecture from Colonial to Greek Revival to Victorian to mid-century modern.

Food & Dining

From two bustling indoor markets to outdoor dining options, eclectic bistros, fine dining, and farm-to-table eateries, our culinary scene is something to savor.

Outdoor Adventure

With access to rail trails and parks, outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to explore.

Downtown York is the heart of our community’s most beloved events. Whether it’s enjoying a Sip & Savor, First Friday, one of our amazing parades, live performance at the Appell Center, a York Revolution baseball game, or a local ghost tour, there’s always something exciting happening here.

With three micro-districts nestled within our historic core, Downtown York offers a vibrant mix of restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, business services, and a range of events, all set amongst a backdrop of amazing architecture. While we are proud of our diverse range of businesses, we recognize that every community has its market gaps. In the following pages, we’ll outline these opportunities and provide more information about what it’s like to do business in our historic downtown.

We’re confident that you’ll agree that Downtown York represents a fantastic investment opportunity.

A True Destination

Whether you’re looking to shop, dine, or simply enjoy the unique urban atmosphere, Downtown York is a place that attracts consumers, tourists, students, residents, and those seeking entertainment or adventure.

Sarah O’Brien Director |

$450 million PLUS $200 million in development currently underway

165 in new development during the last decade new or expanded businesses in the last 5 years

RESIDENTS

Population: 45,000

Median Age: 32.7

40% of Residents’ Ages: 25-54

Total Businesses: 1,642

Total Employment: 31,805

Workday Commuter Influx: 24,266

1 Mile Radius of Continental Square 3 Mile Radius of Continental Square

Businesses: 1,640

Employees: 20,513

Residential population: 32,500

Proximity to:

• Baltimore, MD - 52 miles

• Washington, D.C. - 92 miles

• Philadelphia, PA - 102 miles

• New York, NY - 190 miles 15 Minute Drive Time

Population:

Businesses: 5,748

Employees: 75,344

Residential population: 94,300

Over 3,000 residents live in Downtown York, a 13% increase over the last decade.

• “Most Beautiful Main Street” by Reader’s Digest (2025)

• “25 Best Places to Live on the East Coast” by U.S. News & World Report (2025)

• One of the “40 Most Charming Small Downtowns in America” by HGTV (2025)

• “Top 100 Places to Live” by U.S. News & World Report (2023)

• “#5 Best Place to Retire in the U.S.” by U.S. News & World Report (2022)

• “A Top 25 City for Remote Workers” by Ownerly (2021)

Population By Age A Growing Community

York County’s steady 5% population growth over the past decade highlights its strong appeal and quality of life, Downtown York is at the center of this momentum.

480 new units of market-rate residential leased in the last 5 years

8,000+ students at higher-ed institutions in or near the city

VISITORS

City residents make more than 1 million visits to Downtown York each year and 25.2% of all visits are from City residents living less than 1 mile from Downtown.

Average annual foot traffic:

• 2024 - 4.4 million

• 2023 - 4.2 million

• 2022 - 3.9 million

For example:

FIRST FRIDAY:

The Beaver Street Block Party held the First Friday of May-October yields 2.5K visitors on average, while Downtown York as a whole experiences 33K visitors compared to a non-First Friday of 22K.

The York County Economic Alliance and Downtown Inc utilize Placer.ai, which is a location analytics platform that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze foot traffic patterns and trends. It gathers real-world location data, primarily from mobile devices, and then uses this data to provide insights into consumer behavior, store performance, and site selection for businesses.

active businesses in the Central Business District

Top Requested Downtown York Business Concepts

• Outdoor Outfitters (Bike Rentals, Sales, Repairs, Paddling Gear)

• Men’s & Children’s Clothing Boutiques

• Jazz, Blues & R&B Venues

• Sports Bar, Irish Pub or Tequila Bar

• French Bakery & Bagel Shop

• Candy or Patisserie store

• Gourmet Kitchen/Food/Cooking Store

• Arts & Crafts Store

• Third Spaces

• Grocery Stores

• Boutique Home & Gift Shops

• Pet Supply & Gift Store

• Ice Cream Shop

• Tea Room

With Placer.ai, we can track the movement of people, identify popular locations, assess the performance of specific retail stores or locations, and even predict future trends. This is especially useful for retail businesses, shopping centers, real estate developers, and marketers who need to make data-driven decisions related to where to open new stores, how to optimize existing ones, or how to target advertising based on customer behavior in certain locations. Interested in utilizing this data for your own investment and business decisions?

DEMOGRAPHIC DATA

DOWNTOWN

BID

Attainment Stats for Population

Downtowns are the heart and soul of communities

DOWNTOWN YORK IS NO EXCEPTION

WHY DOWNTOWN MATTERS

• A downtown is home to locally owned, independent businesses that keep 68% of their revenue recycling back into the community.

• A healthy, vibrant downtown is an indicator of the economic condition of the City and the County.

• Downtown businesses provide employment opportunities at all skill levels.

• Successful downtown businesses contribute to the overall growth and economic improvement of the City and County.

• A healthy downtown enhances property values and expands the City’s tax base .

• A vibrant downtown creates a sense of place and pride for the community.

• A downtown reduces sprawl by concentrating commercial activity in one area.

• It serves as an incubator for new, small, and locally owned businesses.

• Downtowns preserve and improve property values in both immediate and surrounding residential neighborhoods.

• The rehabilitation of old buildings supports the local economy by employing local trades and local tradesmen who usually purchase local building materials.

• A downtown serves as a community space where members of all segments of the community can come together for parades and other community events.

• The downtown is usually home to a community’s arts and cultural offerings —which also act as an economic driver and catalyst for business development.

“Having support from Downtown Inc is huge because they recognize how the arts are integral to the growth and sustainability of our Downtown area. The support that I have received has made my offerings and abilities broader and better to serve the community and other creatives.”

- Ophelia Chambliss | Owner, Ophelia’s Making Agency

“Downtown Inc has helped my business in many ways, like letting me know about various grants available to help my business grow as well as marketing opportunities. They have built a relationship with me and are available with any concerns or questions I may have.”

- Robert Brown | Owner, Inspired Imagez

“We chose the downtown area to bring our business because we believe York has developed into a diverse innovative place while staying true to its culture and its history that’s shaped the city. We encourage other minority-owned businesses to add to what’s been building here.”

- Philip Drayden | Co-Owner, Our Sons & Daughters

“Downtown Inc not only helped me navigate permitting and opening my doors, they’ve been here for every step along the way. They participate in our monthly neighborhood meetings, patronize my business, and help me partner with other organizations and businesses to build a thriving community. The staff is nothing short of exceptional.”

- Sarah Cahill | Owner, Gather256

DOWNTOWN PROJECTS

Each one of these projects contains thriving success stories that include viable businesses and community hubs. Investment in Downtown York generates a return for businesses, developers, and the community. And we aren’t done yet! We work with developers, entrepreneurs, and franchises to find the best position for their product. Using market analysis, surveys, community visioning, professional engineering, architectural assessments, and development trends research to identify the future uses of Downtown York as we create a fully integrated shopping, entertainment, dining, service, and housing base in an urban setting.

CODORUSCREEK

Recently Completed:

1. York County History Center (121 N Pershing)

2. The Yorktowne Hotel (48 E Market)

3. Rex Laurel (49-51 S Duke)

4. Keystone Kidspace (10 E Hamilton)

5. Logos Academy Campus Expansion (255 W King)

6. Courthouse Commons (50 N Duke)

Projects Underway:

13. Heritage Crossings/Northwest Triangle (146 N Beaver)

14. Ballpark Commons (300 Block of N George)

15. Dentsply Campus (470-570 W College)

16. Codorus Creek Beautification (Approx. 226 W Philadelphia)

17. Zion Lutheran Church (40 S Duke)

18. York College of PA Knowledge Park (427 Kings Mill)

Redevelopment Opportunities:

25. Former Federal Post Office (200 S George)

26. Historical Society Building (250 E Market)

27. Northern Gateway (200 Block of N George)

28. Cobblestones (205-209 S George)

29. Former JCC (120 E Market)

30. Former AAA (116 E Market)

31. 34-36 E Philadelphia

7. The Rupp Building (2 W Market)

8. Haines Building (13-19 N Duke)

9. The Doll Building (337 W Market)

10. The Blended House (141 E Clarke)

11. Fox Apartments (212-218 N George)

12. Screen Arts Building (21 S Pershing)

19. The Grotto/Rudy Art Glass Building (15 E Philadelphia)

20. Lighthouse Building/Gethsemane Hall (55 W Philadelphia)

21. Penn Market (380 W Market)

22. ONE South (1 S George)

23. Citizens Bank (1 N George)

24. Lifepath Campus (Philadelphia & Hartley)

32. Former Rite-Aid/Freisinger Building (34-36 & 40-42 W Market)

33. Former Rainbow/McCrory’s (6 W Market)

34. Former Hardware Bar (12 W Market)

35. 53-57 E Market Street

36. Union Lutheran Church (408 W Market)

IMAGINE THE POSSIBILITIES

Downtown York is intentional about growing a vibrant, thriving business community. Through our Imagine the Possibilities vacant property marketing campaign, we’re taking a proactive approach to filling storefronts and positioning Downtown York as the ideal place to launch, relocate, or expand a business.

This proactive initiative pairs available spaces with tailored business attraction strategies, direct outreach, and dedicated support for entrepreneurs and investors. Our vision is to transform vacant properties into active, engaging storefronts that fuel economic growth and enhance the character of our Downtown.

With a growing mix of doers, makers, and dreamers, Downtown York offers the energy, creativity, and collaboration that help businesses imagine their next big chapter—and make it real.

ALL ROADS LEAD TO YORK PA

With big-city opportunities and small-town charm, top-rated health care and higher education, diverse housing options and easy commutes, Downtown York delivers an attractive combination of live and work options.

Downtown York is a hot spot and a prime location for your business. And as they say “all roads lead to York, PA.”

Cost Effective

A Downtown location offers the advantages of reasonable rent rates or affordable purchase options, redevelopment opportunities, and historic tax incentives available only in the core districts. That means Downtown businesses can dedicate more assets to customers and less to overhead while maintaining a healthy bottom line.

Building Development

Proximity to:

• Baltimore, MD - 52 miles

• Washington, D.C. - 92 miles

• Philadelphia, PA - 102 miles

• New York, NY - 190 miles

Be Close to Your Customers in a Mixed Use District

Loft apartments and upper-story housing are in high demand right now in Downtown York. With hundreds of occupied apartments and more in the works, your customers are just steps away. According to national studies, residents of a core community district spend approximately forty percent of their disposable income within the district. As we continue to grow the housing stock Downtown, we are also building customers for you.

City Government, County Government, professional institutions, educational facilities, and over 500 commercial entities currently exist in our Downtown. People live, work, and utilize our community core every day, and your business can reap the benefits.

From historic factories to breweries, theatres and hotels, the adaptive reuse potential of old buildings in Downtown York is seemingly limitless. Our historic Downtown retains a plethora of historically and architecturally significant gems. While some of these buildings have been renovated, many remain ripe for cost-effective development.

If you are considering leasing or purchasing one of these diamonds in the rough, do your homework and know what incentives and regulations apply. A renovated historic property often costs less per square foot than new construction and can be just as energy efficient. The historic materials that it was built with 150 years ago will serve to take it another 150 into the future. Rehabbing an existing building is the greenest solution as well since it keeps tons of debris out of the landfill. While not always the easiest solution, a beautifully restored historic property is a boon for your business. They are unique and each have a story to tell. They inspire and encourage us to dream, yet they also ground us and help us remember our roots and our history.

Traffic Count Map 2

EXPERIENCE

ALL THAT DOWNTOWN YORK HAS TO OFFER!

Navigating Downtown York is a breeze with our convenient parking options. From metered street parking to nearby parking garages, York City and various other property owners provide hassle-free solutions to ensure you can enjoy all that our city has to offer. Visit downtownyorkpa.com/parking to learn more.

Parking is plentiful in Downtown York

SHOPPING

There are 1,260 garage parking spaces and 350 on-street parking meters in our Downtown area.

Did you know?

DINING

Sip,

All 3 York City parking garages have an average occupancy rate of 52-58% daily, meaning there is plenty of room for your business in Downtown York!

ATTRACTIONS

Do you ride your bike?

PUBLIC ART

Don’t worry, Downtown York’s easy access to the beautiful Heritage Rail Trail, over 21 Trail friendly businesses, and dozens of bike racks that make Downtown York a perfect choice for cyclists.

EVENTS

There is always something to see and do in Downtown York, from First Fridays, parades, and other activities.

STAY

Please direct all parking questions and concerns to: York City Parking Bureau - 101 South George St, York, PA 17401 | 717-815-0517

From a boutique hotel to cozy bed and breakfasts, find the perfect place to rest and rejuvenate during your visit.

SUPPORT AT A GLANCE

Financing

• Tax incremental financing

• New Markets Tax Credits

• Job Creation Tax Credits

• White Rose Ventures Equity Investment

• Ben Franklin Tech Partners

• Finata (CDFI)

• BLOOM Business Empowerment Center

Workforce Training

• Pathways to Prosperity Consortium

• HACC Jobs Training

• WEDnetPA Training Grants

• MANTEC and Manufacturers Association

Site

Selection Support

• Site and Building Search Assistance

• Permitting Assistance

• Zoning Advocacy

• City - County Coordination

Loans & Grants

• BLOOM Grants and Loans

• Downtown Renaissance Fund

• Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) Loans

• PIDA - Small Business Loans

• Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP)

• Small Business Administration Financing

• Small Diverse Business Capital Access Program

• Tax-Exempt Financing

• Trail Towns Facade Grants

Tax Incentives

• Keystone Innovation Zones

• Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance (LERTA)

• Opportunity Zones

In York, our county, our city, and our Downtown are aligned to help your business grow from day one. We have a deep bench of people and resources available to assist you— from mentoring and business planning during the early days of your businesses to financing and incentives as you grow.

BLOOM BUSINESS EMPOWERMENT CENTER

An extension of the York County Economic Alliance , the BLOOM Business Empowerment Center offers enhanced technical support, attainable capital, and access to opportunity to support small business growth and foster inclusive economic development in York County. BLOOM’s suite of services are offered at no cost and available in English and Spanish, at various times of day, and virtually or in-person. Learn more at bloomyork.org

$519,200

Since its launch, BLOOM has disbursed over in direct support to Downtown York small businesses through grants and loans

BLOOM Loans

Financing with low-interest rates and wrap-around support from our YCEA and BLOOM team is available for business start-up, growth, capital projects and improvements, equipment, real estate, and much more.

$257,750

BLOOM Grants

Micro-grant program for existing businesses to accomplish a project that otherwise may not have been possible.

$261,450 to 5 small businesses across industries: Food Manufacturing, Retail, Professional Services, Personal Care/Beauty Salon, and Barber Shop through 116 awards, representing over 200 jobs

80% are Women Owned Businesses 100% are BIPOC

Note: Data

WE’RE HERE FOR YOU

Downtown Inc offers a wide range of tools, guidance, and connections to help you thrive. Together, let’s unlock the potential of your business and contribute to the vibrant economic landscape of Downtown York.

New Business Start Up

yorkcity.org/business/newbusiness

You can also visit Downtown Inc’s merchant center for some easy to follow new business start up guides!

downtownyorkpa.com/blog

York County Entrepreneurial Collaborative

A network of small business development organizations that serve as York’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. The collaborative meets regularly to establish and strengthen partnerships between members and discuss strategies to better serve local small business owners.

Downtown Resource Center

Located at 44 W. Philadelphia Street, in the historic Kable House building adjacent to Central Market House, the Downtown Resource Center invites business owners, residents, and visitors to our Downtown to visit and connect with members of the Downtown Inc team, the York City Police Department, and the BLOOM Business Empowerment Center. Bilingual services also available.

To provide consistent hours, Downtown Inc and BLOOM team members are available each Monday from 12- 4 p.m. All are welcome to walk-in, but business owners are also welcome to email info@downtownyorkpa.com to set an appointment.

ENTREPRENEURIAL SUPPORT

Business

Succession

Future Planning:

• BLOOM Business Empowerment Center

• Shippensburg Small Business Development Center (LSA)

• Susquehanna SCORE

• The High Center at Elizabethtown College

Business

Expansion

Public Financing:

• Local Share Account Program (LSA)

• Next Generation Farmer Loan

• Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA)

• Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP)

• Small Business Administration (SBA)

• State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI)

• Tax Exempt Private Activity Bonds

Business

Growth

Loans:

• ASSETS

• BLOOM Business Empowerment Center

• Banks or Credit Unions

• Benjamin Franklin Technology Partners

• City of York partnership with Kiva

• Finanta

• White Rose Ventures

Business

Start Up

Education:

• BLOOM Business Empowerment Center

• The JD Brown Center for Entrepreneurship and The Gunter-Smith Center for Community Engagement at York College of PA

• Penn State LaunchBox

• Shippensburg Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

• Susquehanna SCORE

• Tech Rev

Grants:

Investment:

• Benjamin Franklin Technology Partners

• Braided River Collective

• White Rose Ventures

• BLOOM Business Empowerment Center

• Cultural Alliance of York County

• Downtown Inc First Friday and Welcoming Community Grants

• Every Child Has Opportunities (ECHO)

• Explore York

• Susquehanna SCORE

Networking/Mentorship:

• ASSETS

• BLOOM Business Empowerment Center

• Cultural Alliance of York County

• The Grotto

• Keystone Merge

• MANTEC

• Manufacturers Association

• Shippensburg Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

• Susquehanna SCORE

• Women’s Business Center Organization (WBCO)

• York County Trail Towns

YORK COUNTY - PLANNING & POLICY ROADMAP

Over the last decade, York County has produced a suite of planning documents that together shape how we grow, invest, and activate Downtown and the broader region. At the center of that effort is the Economic Action Plan, whose goal is to create a sustainable, equitable and dynamic economy that elevates well-being throughout the county.

ECONOMIC ACTION PLAN

The Economic Action Plan provides the strategic, market-driven direction for countywide economic growth. It prioritizes job creation, business attraction and retention, workforce development, and catalytic investments that generate measurable returns for residents and the local tax base. With over 92% of all actions identified in the 2020 plan either complete or underway by the fall of 2025.

For investors, this means public investments and incentives are being sequenced to maximize private return and long-term fiscal sustainability. Other planning documents below are designed to plug into the Economic Action Plan’s priorities to remove barriers and drive readiness for investment.

How these plans translate for Investors:

• Site Readiness: Coordinated remediation, zoning clarity, and infrastructure investments lower development risk.

• Demand Signals: Housing and workforce studies identify market gaps you can serve.

• Incentives & Partners: Targeted incentives and public-private partnership opportunities are being structured around the Economic Action Plan’s priority projects.

• Placemaking Lift: The Downtown Action Plan and upcoming Public Art Master Plan increase foot traffic and customer experience — directly improving retail and residential yields.

Downtown Inc is THE organization working to enhance and encourage investment in York’s central business district. We do that through:

Downtown Inc is well on the way to achieving our vision through leadership and community collaboration. We drive Downtown York’s prosperity and are a nationally accredited Main Street America program.

Our work rests on four strategic pillars: Economic Development, Placemaking, Public Safety, and Promotions. This Downtown Investment Guide highlights key initiatives that fuel business growth, attract investment, and enhance property values. Across the following pages, you’ll see how our other three pillars also work to strengthen our small business community, empower developers, and transform Downtown York into a vibrant, thriving destination creating measurable returns for investors and lasting benefits for the entire community.

Since 1986, Downtown York has been transforming our city’s heart, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and vitality. In 1998, we earned designation as a Main Street community through Main Street America and the Pennsylvania Downtown Center —a recognition of our commitment to historic preservation and economic revitalization.

As an accredited Main Street community, we follow nationally recognized best practices, leveraging the proven Main Street Four-Point Approach to create thriving businesses, vibrant public spaces, and a stronger, more resilient downtown. Investing in Downtown York means supporting a community with a decades-long track record of success and a clear, strategic path for continued growth.

PROMOTIONS

We are striving to promote Downtown York through communications, public relations, and special events designed to draw patrons into downtown businesses.

EVENTS MARKETING SOCIAL MEDIA

Downtown Inc events have an annual economic impact of more than $1 million in our community, according to figures by Americans for the Arts

Over 58,000 people attend Downtown Inc events annually

Over 70 businesses participate in First Friday activities each month

$12,000 in First Friday grant funds distributed each year

30+ ribbon cuttings for new or expanded businesses yearly on average

8,000 copies of the quarterly Downtown York Magazine distributed to 146 downtown businesses, 11 county-wide locations, 300+ direct mailers, and 14 PA Welcome Centers and Rest Stops.

Google Discovery Ads: 1.2M impressions, 4% CTR

Google Video: 65k impressions, 57% view rate

META: 592K impressions, 1.80% CTR

TikTok: 285K impressions, .14% CTR

Spotify: 65K impressions

More than 31k followers on the Downtown Inc Facebook Page, with 165k people reached monthly, and over a million reached in the past year

More than 10.4k followers on Instagram, with an average monthly reach of 22k

MERCHANT SPOTLIGHTS

12 Merchant of the Month highlights yearly

Downtown Inc Ambassadors Program launched with 30+ active members

Created and promoted listing of 97 Black-owned local businesses

PUBLIC SAFETY

Downtown Inc acts as a vital connector between the York City Police Department and the downtown community, fostering strong communication and collaboration to ensure a safe, welcoming environment for residents, businesses, and visitors.

By working closely with law enforcement, Downtown Inc helps to identify public safety concerns, coordinate responses, and support crime prevention initiatives that directly benefit the vitality of the downtown district. This partnership strengthens trust, enhances visibility, and reinforces a shared commitment to keeping Downtown York secure and thriving.

“House

of Yoga has been in business on Market Street for almost 10 years. In that time, Downtown Inc and the York City Police Department have been both responsive and present to any of my questions or concerns that have come along.”

- Jacqueline Dahlheimer | House of Yoga

PLACEMAKING

Placemaking is a cornerstone of Downtown Inc.’s work, and in 2024 alone, we invested $1.2 million to transform public spaces across the district. From artistic crosswalks and wayfinding signage to tree canopy assessments, trench drains, and hanging baskets, these enhancements make Downtown York more welcoming, navigable, and vibrant. Much of this impact is amplified by the efforts of our Downtown Clean & Green Team , whose ongoing maintenance and beautification ensure these investments continue to uplift residents, visitors, businesses, and property owners alike.

Downtown Clean & Green Team’s First 2 Years

18,980 pounds of litter removed, over 9 tons!

9,371 workforce hours of cleaning

90 bags of trash collected weekly Graffiti removed

Coordinated Street Sweeping

Special landscaping projects

“Having a clean, welcoming area around my business is so important—not just for customers, but for our whole community. The Downtown Clean and Green Team does an incredible job helping to keep Downtown York beautiful and inviting every day.”

- Susan Scofield | Owner, HIVE artspace

WORKFORCE READY

York stands strong with a business foundation that is comprised of a skilled labor force, easy transportation access, reasonable operating costs, and a pro-business community spirit. These assets are what ensure a strong economic development plan gets successful results.

Over 650 participants in classes and bootcamps from across York County

56% Operating a Business

43% Looking to Start a Business

The York County Economic Alliance (YCEA) strives to focus on the growing industry needs and demands to create collaborative solutions to better serve our employers and workforce. Education, Industry and Community are at the forefront of any successful partnership.

Career Exploration

To develop the best skilled and diverse workforce, YCEA believes in the opportunity to promote career exploration in the school setting. YCEA continues to work with school districts and organizations such as the York County Alliance for Learning and the York Builders Association to enhance career exploration activities for youth. In conjunction with WellSpan Park, we host 4 Hiring Fairs connecting employers with over 1,700 job seekers.

Innovative Economic Development

Providing comprehensive and collaborative solutions to create a strong workforce, YCEA strives to connect job seekers, employers, educators and the community together through innovative initiatives. Most recently this approach created the Every Child Has Opportunities (ECHO) Program . Launched in 2024, ECHO annually awards $3.5 million dollars to expand childcare options in and around York City.

What is ECHO?

Every Child Has Opportunities (ECHO) is an early childhood education initiative led by Community Connections for Children and York County Economic Alliance.

The goal of ECHO is to double the number of children from low-income families in York County who will receive high-quality early childhood education. We will achieve the goal by utilizing a strategic and targeted approach, addressing immediate and crisis issues while developing solutions to long-term, chronic issues.

HISTORICALLY

Whatever your interest, there is always something to see and do in Downtown York!

SIGNATURE DOWNTOWN INC EVENTS

Downtown First Awards

Each year, Downtown Inc recognizes businesses, organizations and individuals who have made a difference in Downtown York through their commitments of time, advocacy and resources at the Downtown First Awards.

Go Green in the City

This fun, family-friendly festival celebrates green, healthy, and local living and will feature more than 70 vendors, live music, food, children’s activities and much more. Go Green in the City has drawn more than 6,500 attendees during past events.

Downtown Update

Downtown York has witnessed exponential growth over the past few years. With increases in its small business offerings, major development and redevelopment projects, including local and regional investment, Downtown Inc is proud to share where we’ve been and where we’re going.

Hanging of the Greens

Each year, Downtown Inc and a crew of dedicated volunteers wrap lamp posts and poles around Downtown York with live greenery and festive red bows in anticipation of the holiday season ahead.

Sip & Savor

Sip and Savor your way through Downtown York as we stroll through the city, stopping at some of our coolest businesses for craft beverages and small bites.

First Fridays

First Friday is a celebration of Downtown York, PA shops, restaurants, cultural venues and nightlife hot spots. From 5-9pm, downtown shops and restaurants host special events, offer refreshments and promotions, and sponsor live entertainment. First Fridays are recognized every first Friday of the month, and North and South Beaver Streets are closed May-Oct.

Other Signature Downtown Events:

• Small Business Saturday

• Mother’s Day Outdoor Market

• Halloween Parade

• Make Music Day York County

• Bright Nights at WellSpan Park

• Restaurant Week York (4x per year)

• Downtown York, PA Crawls

• St. Patrick’s Day Parade

• Oyster Fest

• Firefly Night Market

• Creek Fire

EXPERIENCE DOWNTOWN

Explore our quaint Downtown with the whole crew and find family-friendly fun wherever you look. Embark on enlightening tours, immerse yourself in the world of art at galleries, delve into knowledge at libraries and museums, embrace the serenity of parks, indulge in sports and games, and witness the magic of theater, cinema, and music. Whether experiencing a baseball game firsthand or taking a step back in time at a local museum, we’ve got something for everyone to experience in Downtown York, PA.

TOP 15 THINGS TO DO Recommended

By Locals

• Attend a York Revolution game at WellSpan Park

• Learn something new at the York County History Center

• Check out the happenings at a First Friday

• Explore nature along the Heritage Rail Trail

• Catch a live show at The Appell Center for the Performing Arts

• Grab a selfie in Mural Park

• Eat your way through Central Market and Penn Market

• Take a foodie or haunted tour

• Experience the art on display at a gallery

• Grab a pint at a local brewery or bar

• Play at Keystone Kidspace or Timeline Arcade

• Browse the many boutiques and vintage stores

• Stroll through Cherry Lane

• Grab a bite at one of the many restaurants, featuring a variety of menus

• Discover the collection of the Martin Library

Every year, The Appell Center for the Performing Arts hosts over Yearly, WellSpan Park attracts over and they spend an average of 170 minutes downtown before, during, and after the event.

30,000 attendees

208,000 visitors

The Cultural Alliance of York County is a key organization dedicated to advancing the arts, culture, and creative economy throughout York County. By supporting a wide array of cultural programs, events, and initiatives, the Cultural Alliance helps foster a vibrant and thriving community. They advocate for local artists, arts organizations, and cultural experiences, enriching the quality of life in the region while boosting tourism and community engagement. Through partnerships with local businesses, schools, and other organizations, the Cultural Alliance plays a crucial role in promoting York County as a cultural destination, making it an essential resource for those considering investment in Downtown York. culturalyork.org

Explore York is the region’s official tourism organization, dedicated to promoting York County as a prime destination for visitors, residents, and businesses alike. With a focus on tourism, recreation, and local attractions, Explore York plays a key role in highlighting the region’s unique blend of history, culture, and outdoor activities. Through strategic marketing campaigns, event coordination, and collaborative partnerships with local businesses, Explore York is working to increase foot traffic, bolster the local economy, and enhance the visibility of downtown as a vibrant and growing hub. Their efforts are aligned with supporting local entrepreneurs and fostering investment in York, making it an ideal resource for those looking to invest in the heart of the city.

yorkpa.org

Cultural Alliance of York County

Explore York

8 REASONS TO INVEST IN DOWNTOWN YORK

Downtown York is more than just a location for your business. It’s a great place to call home.

York attracts entrepreneurs with its low cost of living, strong infrastructure, and skilled workforce. From major industries like trucking, building products, and food production to growing e-commerce and tech startups, York offers a supportive, innovative business environment for operations of all sizes.

Investing in Downtown York can offer a variety of benefits:

Revitalization Efforts

York City is experiencing revitalization, with new businesses, new housing developments and transformative projects like the Codorus Greenway Beautification Project attracting attention and investment.

Downtown York offers an attractive cost of living and amenities such as parks, dining, and entertainment, appealing to a diverse population, including young professionals and retirees. 1 5 3 7 2 6 4 8

Cultural and Historical Significance

York boasts a rich history and cultural heritage and is alive with public art, making it a unique location for tourism and community events, which can drive economic growth.

Community Engagement

The Downtown area is home to most of York City’s events and festivals, fostering a strong sense of community that can enhance property values and attract residents and businesses.

Economic Growth Potential

With ongoing developments and an increasing population, Downtown York presents opportunities for growth in various sectors, including retail, hospitality, and residential.

Accessibility and Transportation

Downtown York has good access to public transportation and major roadways, making it attractive for both businesses and residents.

Diverse Business Environment

Downtown’s mix of local shops, restaurants, and services creates a vibrant atmosphere that supports small businesses and attracts visitors.

Investment Financial Incentives

York offers tax incentives and grants that make the Downtown York investment more financially feasible.

Quality of Life

These factors combine to create a promising investment landscape in Downtown York.