May 21, 2024
Urban Development Advisors (UDA) Report Outlines Strategic Initiatives for formation of a Community Revitalization Corporation
Meadville, PA – The Make it Meadville steering committee released the final report outlining recommendations for revitalizing the city’s downtown. Compiled by the Washington D.C.-based firm, Urban Development Advisors (UDA), the report details strategic recommendations and key findings aimed at transforming Meadville’s downtown through the formation of a Community Revitalization Corporation (CRC). This plan is the culmination of extensive community engagement, stakeholder interviews, and public survey findings, providing a roadmap for the CRC to facilitate sustainable development in the area.
The report entitled, “Public Engagement and Strategic Governance Strategies for a Proposed Community Revitalization Corporation for Downtown,” emphasizes the importance of creating a strategic vision, fostering a strong marketing and branding initiative, and leveraging public-private partnerships to pursue key redevelopment projects. According to the report, immediate priorities include enhancing connectivity between French Creek and the commercial core, promoting mixed-use development, and boosting business recruitment and retention efforts.
Andy Walker, Executive Director of Economic, Civic, and Community Engagement at Allegheny College, summarized the value of the findings:
“This report provides us with a clear direction for the CRC to be a proactive entity dedicated to shaping downtown Meadville’s economic future. With unified leadership, the CRC will effectively address community needs, leverage funding opportunities, and seek out early wins that drive long-term progress.”
About the Make It Meadville Initiative
A CRC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that establishes partnerships between government, nonprofits, and the private sector to drive strategic development. The Make It Meadville initiative was formed through a $155,000 grant awarded by the Richard King Mellon Foundation. It brought together a steering committee composed of representatives from local government, businesses, real estate, and the banking sector. The committee aimed to guide planning and develop a strategic vision.
Community Engagement Efforts to Inform the Report
Urban Development Advisors (UDA), led by former Pittsburgh Mayor, Tom Murphy and Tom Eitler, was selected to spearhead community engagement efforts for the Make It Meadville initiative. UDA conducted comprehensive stakeholder interviews and hosted a community engagement workshop to gain insights into local priorities. An online survey received 325 responses, revealing widespread support for the CRC, strong interest in enhancing downtown dining and retail offerings, and the need for a cohesive identity for Meadville.
These insights directly shaped the final report’s recommendations, emphasizing the importance of a strategic marketing campaign and cohesive vision that resonates with the community.
Amy Murdock, Senior Planning Director at Erie’s Altair Consulting Group who partnered with Allegheny College and the City to help support the Make It Meadville initiative, spoke about the path ahead following the plan’s release:
“The steering committee worked diligently to identify a list of qualified candidates for the inaugural board of directors. Once in place, this board will guide the CRC’s development as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, ensuring its ability to pursue the transformative projects highlighted in the UDA report.”
The steering committee’s nominating committee has curated a slate of potential candidates representing a diverse range of interests, including business and property owners, community leaders, heritage and cultural advocates, real estate professionals, and anchor institutions. The formal announcement of the board members will be made in the coming weeks.
With the board seated and the nonprofit status established, the CRC will then proceed with the search for key leadership and finalize its organizational structure to start implementing the UDA report’s key recommendations.
Walker emphasized the importance of these next steps. “Having the right board and leadership in place will ensure the CRC can effectively manage its strategic vision and become a catalyst for lasting change in downtown Meadville.”
The UDA’s report as well as results of the community survey and other materials can be found on the Make It Meadville website at makeitmeadville.org.
About Make It
Make It Meadville is a collaborative initiative focused on revitalizing Meadville’s downtown through strategic planning, community engagement, and leveraging public-private partnerships to create a vibrant, sustainable future.
About Urban Development Advisors
Urban Development Advisors (UDA) is a consultancy specializing in strategic urban planning and community development. Led by Tom Murphy, former Pittsburgh mayor, and Tom Eitler, UDA works with communities nationwide to provide practical guidance for sustainable growth and revitalization.
Contact:
Andy Walker
Allegheny College, Executive Director for Economic, Civic & Community Engagement
Phone: (814) 282-5058
Email: awalker@allegheny.edu