Allentown, PA, April 2, 2025 —The Downtown Allentown Alliance (DAA), a new organization formed to build on the tremendous success downtown Allentown has achieved over the past decade, announced today its new partnership with United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley.
The DAA, which officially launched in 2025, is dedicated to strategically increasing activation and engagement, retail variety and support, clean and safe streets, recognition of diverse cultures, and positive public perception of downtown Allentown. The DAA works to meet its goals for continuously improving downtown Allentown through community input, public and private funding and, effective immediately, a new partnership with United Way.
“United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley is the perfect partner to help launch our new organization,” said Sen. Nick Miller, who helps lead the DAA Steering Committee. “United Way’s expertise in leadership development, donation management, grant writing, and much more will accelerate the startup of DAA and provide invaluable guidance and support until DAA becomes fully independent.”
“Thriving downtowns sit at the heart of thriving communities. At United Way, we’re honored and excited to play a role in developing the new Downtown Allentown Alliance with many outstanding public and private partners. By providing strategic guidance, we look forward to building on the foundation of a vibrant district for businesses, residents, and visitors for many years to come,” said United Way Chief Executive Officer Marci Lesko.
Last year, the DAA Steering Committee, including Sen. Miller and the Allentown Economic Development Corp., partnered with Public Sphere Projects, a national planning consultant, to develop a comprehensive strategy to cohesively manage and boost Downtown Allentown’s many assets. Using public input from surveys and events, retailer market analysis, and stakeholder focus groups, the firm recommended DAA focus on four strategic pillars:
- Enhance Engagement & Vibrancy
- Inspire Loyalty & Advocacy
- Curate a Dynamic Retail Landscape
- Celebrate and Elevate Cultural Heritage
To learn more about the DAA, sign up to receive email updates here.
About Downtown Allentown Alliance
The Downtown Allentown Alliance (DAA) was formed in 2025 to build on the tremendous success downtown Allentown has achieved over the past decade. The DAA is dedicated to strategically increasing activation and engagement, retail variety and support, clean and safe streets, recognition of diverse cultures, and positive public perception of the downtown. The DAA works to meet its goals for continuously improving downtown Allentown through community input, public and private funding, and a partnership with the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley.
About United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley
United Way fights for the health, safety and education of every person in the Greater Lehigh Valley and envisions communities where every person belongs and every person thrives. We strive to achieve this goal by assessing community needs, raising funds, investing in solutions and mobilizing our community to action. For more information, visit www.UnitedWayGLV.org
Information provided to TVL by:
Laura McHugh
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley
