The City of Wilkes-Barre has recently qualified as one of 50 quarter-finalists in Frontier Communication’s competition designed to identify America’s Best Community. This gives our city the opportunity to compete for up to $3 million in support of a strategic revitalization plan that will spur economic growth and advancement in our region. The America’s Best Communities competition contributes $10 million over three years to support innovative plans for revitalization in small towns and cities across the U.S
Thanks to our sponsors Frontier Communications, DISH Network, The Weather Channel, CoBank, and our local partner Scripps Network Interactive, Wilkes-Barre has received $50,000 towards the development of our strategic plan during this quarter-finalist phase.
We will utilize a GoPro camera provided by our sponsors to document the impact that this competition has had on our community, as well as our progress towards implementing downtown Wilkes-Barre’s five year action plan. Our videos will focus on six core goals that will enhance and transform the downtown. Downtown Wilkes-Barre will be:
A safe, clean, and attractive place to live, work, shop, and visit
The region’s college neighborhood
The region’s “walk-to-everything” neighborhood of choice.
The region’s “Innovation District”: a setting for business growth and entrepreneurship
A great visitor’s experience, enhanced by our historic architecture, riverfront, colleges, and walk-ability
A regional center of arts, culture, dining, and entertainment
This downtown revitalization plan was developed through the support of our committee members, including the Diamond City Partnership, the City of Wilkes-Barre, Wilkes University, Kings College, Senator John T. Yudichak, and Representative Eddie Day Pashinski.
These goals align to form an accessible innovative hub that leverages the arts, entertainment, area businesses, and local colleges and universities.
Check out o
ur video, which highlights the Greater Wilkes-Barre area as a great place to live, work, and experience at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4vVElo4kAc
