Photo by Michael Yatsko
No one expects downtown Harrisburg to transform overnight. I understand the skepticism when you hear about “another plan” to help our capital city. There are reasons for that skepticism, and it can be difficult to believe this time is different. But communities don’t lose belief because progress is slow; they lose belief when progress is not evident.
Belief is also shaped by how we talk about downtown—and how we consume the stories around it. When the loudest narratives focus only on what’s wrong, it becomes harder for residents, businesses and investors to see what’s possible. Revitalization requires a shared willingness to recognize progress and participate in it.
That’s why, even as the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC welcomed a statewide grant to begin coordinated engagement and early action with partners like the Pennsylvania Downtown Center and city, county and state stakeholders, our focus isn’t on producing a lengthy plan that sits on a shelf. It is creating visible momentum and early wins that show revitalization has already begun.
Long-term revitalization takes time. We didn’t turn a bustling downtown of stores, stories and character into an office- and concrete-centered district overnight. The density of downtown workers fueled past growth and renaissance of restaurants and activity. With a global shift to remote and hybrid work, and a broader decline in dining and drinking out, we must think differently and plan for a different future.
That requires a thoughtful, deliberate and inclusive process. We need to listen to the business owners, residents and visitors who will write the next chapter of downtown Harrisburg. Even as that work continues, real change needs to start now.
There is momentum in downtown Harrisburg today, and that momentum must build confidence. We are seeing engagement from high-level leadership, from our governor to the mayor to our county commissioners and legislative delegation. We have brought together the businesses and stakeholders who have invested in and believe in Harrisburg. As this work begins, we must quickly identify projects and actions that can change the downtown experience now—not six months or a year from now.
Downtown’s future won’t be decided by a single plan; it will be shaped by the daily choices of the people who believe in it. Everyone has a role to play. Choose downtown Harrisburg. Have a coffee, grab lunch, or connect over a cocktail. Visit Whitaker Center for a show or exhibit. Experience the Harrisburg Symphony in the Forum. Catch live music along the riverfront or at Capital City Music Hall. Help restore the foot traffic that brings energy to our city and region.
At the same time, efforts are underway with downtown organizations and businesses to fill the calendar with events, collaborations and pop-up experiences. Beyond traditions like the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Artsfest and Kipona, Harristown Development is activating new energy—from SoMa block parties to the Tiny Park Concert Series launching this summer at Coronet Park.
Working with local leaders and supported by the commonwealth, we will also begin addressing the fundamentals of a thriving downtown—clean and safe streets—with an additional focus and commitment to these areas right now.
Downtown Harrisburg’s revitalization will not happen all at once. It will take time, partnership and steady progress. Above all, it will also take a region that believes in our capital city and isn’t afraid to say so. In the end, this work won’t be decided by a single plan; it will be shaped by what all of us are willing to do, and willing to believe, starting now.
Ryan Unger is president and CEO of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC. For more information, visit www.harrisburgregionalchamber.org. If you’d like to assist in the downtown Harrisburg revitalization effort, contact [email protected].
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