About The Lewisburg Downtown Partnership

Lewisburg Downtown Partnership

Mission—We work to ensure that downtown remains the heart and soul of Lewisburg.

The Lewisburg Downtown Partnership leads the charge for Lewisburg to become the cultural and economic magnet of the region.   Market Street, Lewisburg, had 13 vacant first-floor businesses In 1999. The LDP was formed when the Borough of Lewisburg, Bucknell University, and the downtown business community began an effort to fill the vacancies, market downtown as a destination, and forge partnerships to encourage collaboration. In a small rural community like Lewisburg, where fewer people live in the county than in several city blocks, strong downtowns with enough foot traffic to support a shopping district are rare. Since 2004, downtown has enjoyed a 2% vacancy rate; the award-winning www.lewisburgpa.com has become the cornerstone of downtown marketing; and the spirit of collaboration that formed the LDP has broadened and strengthened, resulting in Lewisburg’s burgeoning vibrancy. But there is a level of vibrancy that we have not seen yet downtown, and the current strategic plan sets a road map to get there.

 Vision–Downtown Lewisburg will be the cultural and economic magnet for the region.

The LDP will work in four pillar areas– Economic Development, Promotion, Historic Preservation & Design and Organization—to achieve its vision.

 Goals for 2014-2020

Work with existing business owners in expanding their business or starting a new one that fills gaps in the marketplace

Promote the value of buying local

Build Entrepreneurship

Drive promotion of downtown as a destination

Work with partners to increase the number of arts events

Strengthen the spirit of collaboration among downtown business owners

Reinforce downtown’s brand through the use of green space, public art and beautification

Work with partners to improve downtown parking, visibility, bike & pedestrian access

Participate in efforts to envision Soldier’s Park as a waterfront park

Work with partners to hold newcomers events annually

Ongoing LDP Initiatives

  • Maintains www.lewisburgpa.com
  • Heart of Lewisburg Ice Festival
  • Sales event & promotional planning
  • The Ambassador Program-LDP volunteers visit downtown businesses several times a year to share information and receive input
  • Support for existing and new business prospects
  • Partnerships with community stakeholders that create community and economic opportunity