A Cleaner Downtown and A Stronger Community: How Downtown Inc is Protecting and Growing York’s Ecosystem
Almost 20 years ago, a joint venture between the York Business Improvement District Authority and Main Street York established Downtown Inc, an entity of the York County Economic Alliance. This partnership was created to support York’s small businesses, attract investment, and lead placemaking efforts that keep York vibrant and positioned for long-term growth.
Today, Downtown Inc serves as the primary steward of Downtown York, working to manage and strengthen the economic and cultural core of the city.
But sustaining a thriving downtown requires more than new development and major investments. It requires consistent, visible care.
Every week across Downtown York, sidewalks are cleared, litter and debris are removed, graffiti is abated, and public spaces are refreshed. This ongoing work plays a critical role in how the community is experienced, shaping perceptions of safety, encouraging foot traffic, and supporting local businesses.
That’s where Downtown Inc’s Clean & Green Team comes in.
Through this initiative, funded by the Powder Mill Foundation, the Clean & Green Team has made a measurable impact. In its first two years, the team removed more than 21,000 pounds of litter, collected over 80 bags of trash each week, and logged more than 10,000 hours dedicated to cleaning and maintenance. While often behind the scenes, this work is foundational to maintaining a welcoming and economically strong downtown environment.
Thanks to the support of the Appell family and the Powder Mill Foundation, Downtown Inc has been able to sustain and strengthen this work, ensuring a consistent, professional presence that reinforces pride of place and supports long-term revitalization.
A clean and welcoming downtown drives foot traffic, instills civic pride, supports retail and restaurant success, and strengthens property values.
Sarah O’Brien, Director of Downtown Inc
This type of investment is critical. Research consistently shows that cleanliness is one of the strongest predictors of perceived safety and economic activity, making it essential to a community’s long-term success.
The Clean & Green Team also supports small businesses, many of which do not have the capacity to manage exterior maintenance on their own. By maintaining shared public spaces, the program allows businesses to focus on growth while contributing to a more cohesive and inviting downtown.
While I never had the opportunity to meet Mr. Appell, his legacy lives on and I hope the Downtown Inc team is making him proud. Mr. Appell believed deeply in the future of York and in practical investments that make a visible difference. He would likely recognize that maintaining a clean, safe, and beautiful downtown is foundational to economic growth. This initiative reflects a long-term mindset, investing in systems that quietly but powerfully strengthen the city every single day.
Sarah O’Brien, Downtown Inc
While ribbon cuttings and new developments often draw attention, it is this steady, ongoing work that builds momentum and confidence in the future of Downtown York.
Through continued care and stewardship, Downtown Inc is ensuring the city remains not only a destination, but a place where businesses can thrive and communities can grow.
