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Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh
Business Development
Mainstreets Pittsburgh Program Description
The City of Pittsburgh recognizes the important role the neighborhood commercial district plays in the overall health of the City's neighborhoods. A sound neighborhood shopping area contributes to high quality of life. A healthy business district is a positive attraction and a competitive advantage in retaining existing neighborhood residents and attracting new ones.
The Mainstreets Pittsburgh program strives to ensure the health of the City’s traditional neighborhood commercial districts by stimulating economic revitalization within the context of neighborhood preservation and stakeholder engagement. The activities of Mainstreets Pittsburgh organizations, therefore, must be directed by a local organization made up of active stakeholders whose primary goal is the long-term revitalization of the commercial district.
Business District Organizations (BDO’)s participating in the Mainstreets Pittsburgh program will receive assistance from the URA and its partners in undertaking a comprehensive, incremental work strategy that focuses on the following four points:
- Organization – Building consensus and assembling the appropriate human and financial resources to implement the Mainstreets Pittsburgh revitalization program. A governing board and appropriate committees make up the fundamental organizational structure of this volunteer-driven program. Volunteers are coordinated and supported by a paid program director. The role of the Organization Committee includes: 1) raising funds for the organization/program; 2) managing staff and recruiting volunteers/members; 3) promoting the program and its interests to the public and partners; and 4) managing finances.
- Design - Getting your business district into top physical shape. Capitalizing on its best assets — such as historic buildings and pedestrian-oriented streets — is just part of the story. Design activities also include instilling good maintenance practices, ensuring safety, and encouraging appropriate new construction . An inviting atmosphere, created through attractive window displays, building improvements, street furniture, signs, sidewalks, street lights, and landscaping, conveys a positive visual message about a commercial district that is safe, clean and vibrant. The role of the Design Committee includes: 1) educating others about good design, safety, cleanliness and the environment; 2) providing good design advice that encourages quality improvements to private and public properties; 3) planning the district’s physical development; and 4) motivating others to make changes to improve the built environment and public spaces within the district.
- Promotion - Selling a positive image of the commercial district that motivates target audiences to live, work, shop, play and invest in the central business district. Promotional activities are carried out in three main categories: identity/branding, retail promotions, and special events carried out by local volunteers. The role of the Promotion Committee includes: 1) understanding changes in the market among both potential customers and competition; 2) identifying the business district’s assets; 3) defining the business district’s market niche; and 4) creating new image campaigns, retail promotions and special events.
- Economic Restructuring – Strengthening the district’s existing economic assets while expanding and diversifying its economic base. Economic restructuring activities should help sharpen the competitiveness of existing business owners and recruit compatible new businesses and new economic uses to create a commercial district that responds to today's consumers' needs. The role of the Economic Restructuring Committee includes: 1) understanding the district’s current economic condition and identifying opportunities for market growth; 2) strengthening existing businesses and recruiting new business; 3) finding new economic uses for key properties/buildings; and 4) monitoring the economic performance of the district.