Harlingen’s Downtown, a Public Improvement Assessment District, combines the geographic areas previously known as The Downtown Improvement District and La Placita District. Harlingen’s Downtown office leads the downtown revitalization program, coordinating improvements, promotions, and economic redevelopment activities in Harlingen’s central business district.
The program was established by the City Commission in 1989 and has been a public/private partnership since the beginning. What started as a 14-block area now includes all or part of 40 blocks in the city center. More than 200 businesses or organizations operate in Harlingen’s Downtown, generating more than 1000 jobs. As the downtown district has evolved and expanded, property owners have voted three times to continue it, taxing themselves through an annual assessment to generate revenues for storefront improvements, landscaping, signage, and promotions. Additional funds are provided by the City. A twelve-member Board of Directors comprised of property owners, or their representatives, oversees and coordinates the revitalization program.
Economic growth, creation of new jobs, historic preservation, and development of community pride are among the goals of the program. Harlingen’s Downtown is affiliated with the National Main Street Center, a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and the Main Street Program administered by the Texas Historical Commission. The Main Street Four-Point Approach that guides Harlingen’s Downtown is a comprehensive revitalization strategy in which staff and volunteers work to implement projects in four key areas:
Design – Enhancing the downtown’s physical appearance through building rehabilitation, storefront improvements, signs, landscaping, murals, merchandising, and displays, partnering with public and private sector groups in beautification and public improvement projects, and educating people about the importance of quality design and good visual presentations;
Economic Restructuring – Strengthening and diversifying the downtown’s economic base by helping existing businesses to grow and expand, property owners to convert unused or underutilized buildings into productive commercial space, and downtown businesspeople to sharpen their competitiveness and merchandising skills;
Promotion – Marketing the commercial district through events, advertising, printed materials, and public relations to attract customers, potential investors, new businesses, residents, and visitors;
Organization – Building consensus and cooperation among public and private groups and individuals through partnerships and effective, ongoing management and advocacy for the downtown.
For more information on Harlingen’s Downtown contact Cheryl LaBerge, Downtown Manager, at (956) 216-4910 or via email at cheryllaberge@myharlingen.us
