The Wilkes-Barre Main Street program is managed by the Diamond City Partnership (DCP) in the City of Wilkes-Barre, located in Luzerne county. Their designation began in September of 2020 and they will exit the program on September 30th, 2025. The Diamond City Partnership is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has served the community since 2001. DCP works to improve the economic vitality and livability of Downtown Wilkes-Barre. They also administer the Downtown Wilkes-Barre Business Improvement District (DWBBID), which provides a range of place management services to the properties and businesses of Downtown Wilkes-Barre. Throughout the designation, DCP has identified transformation strategies that will focus on. They are working to mitigate the negative effects of COVID-19. These effects have been felt primarily through the loss of office workers who have since began working remotely. While the public square will undergo various improvements, it remains one of the stand out
assets in the community.
West Scranton, located in Lackawanna County, is one of our new Elm Street programs that has been designated to NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania in West Scranton. NeighborWorks, is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit community development organization that has worked in the region for more than 35 years, to help revitalize neighborhoods and improve lives throughout the Northeast. Todd Pousley, Neighborhood Revitalization Manager,
NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania stated, “We are excited to join the network of organizations working hard to improve Main Street and Elm Street communities across the state. Earning Elm Street designation is a significant milestone in our long-term neighborhood revitalization efforts in West Scranton. The funding opportunities and technical assistance that Elm Street designation affords us will go a long way in helping us implement our West Scranton Neighborhood Plan. We look forward to working with the DCED team, PA Downtown Center staff, and, most importantly, residents to make West Scranton the best possible place to live,
work, and play.”
The Elm Street program’s designation officially began on December 1, 2021, and runs through December 31, 2026. As part of NeighborWorks’ five-year plan, one of their key
strategies is to create five distinct districts that have a strong integration of commerce, housing, and community assets. Another focus of the revitalization program is to enhance community anchors in the area, such as schools, parks and trails and community centers.
If you or your community is interested in learning more about designation, please reach out to Pennsylvania Downtown Center staff members for information, templates, and more.