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…