January 30, 2025

Community’s Input on Downtown Required for Benefits Through Main Street Matters Program

Meadville, PA – The Meadville Community Revitalization Corporation (MCRC) is inviting all Meadville residents, business owners, and community organizations to participate in a Community Perception Survey. The survey, open from February 3rd through the 21st, 2025, is an important first step in the MCRC’s efforts to seek a Main Street Matters designation through Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED).

The survey is designed to capture public opinions on key aspects of Meadville’s downtown, including issues such as downtown’s comfort and appearance, economic conditions, community attitudes, available activities, and accessibility. Insights gathered from the survey will help guide revitalization strategies to make Greater Downtown Meadville more vibrant, welcoming, and prosperous.

“Our goal is to ensure the future of downtown Meadville is shaped by the people who know it best—our community,” said Andy Walker, Executive Director of the MCRC. “By completing this survey, residents and business owners have the chance to share their perspectives and priorities, which will not only strengthen our application for the Main Street Matters program but also guide long-term revitalization efforts that make downtown Meadville a better place to live, work, and visit.”

The Main Street Matters program is a state initiative aimed at supporting downtown cores and surrounding neighborhoods with tools to create healthy and vibrant communities. According to DCED’s website there are currently nine downtown’s across Pennsylvania that have Main Street designations. If awarded the designation, Meadville could benefit from funding opportunities that support planning efforts, business development, aesthetic improvements, and public safety enhancements.

As an added incentive, participants who include their email address in their survey response will be entered into a drawing for $25 Downtown Dollars gift cards, redeemable at participating businesses. A third winner will be selected from those who engage with the survey through the MCRC’s Facebook page—visit @meadvillecrcorp for details.

The survey can be completed online at https://bit.ly/MeadvillePerceptionSurvey as well as by filling out paper copies which will be available at City Hall, Active Aging, the Meadville Public Library, and many downtown businesses.

About the Meadville Community Revitalization Corporation (MCRC)About Urban Development Advisors

The MCRC is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to revitalizing Greater Downtown Meadville. Through strategic partnerships, innovative projects, and community engagement, the MCRC aims to enhance the economic, cultural, and social vibrancy of downtown Meadville.

Contact:

Andy Walker
Executive Director
Meadville Community Revitalization Corporation
Phone: (814) 282-5058
Email: awalker@allegheny.edu / executivedirector@meadvillecrc.org