The Northampton Vibrancy Project
Community Campaign to Revive Downtown and Commercial Areas
A new effort is underway to revitalize Northampton’s downtown business community and surrounding commercial areas in response to the COVID-19 economic downturn. Local leaders and volunteers have come together to create the Northampton Vibrancy Project, a 20-month long initiative (May 2022 – December 2023) designed to help businesses recover from the pandemic and to reinvest in Northampton as a regional destination for entertainment, shopping, and dining. The coalition is led by the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce’s Economic Development Committee (“EDC”), a group of 40 community volunteers and business owners, and the Downtown Northampton Association (“DNA”), in partnership with the City of Northampton and other leading organizations, influencers, and stakeholders.
“The EDC is committed to Northampton’s vibrancy and economic well-being,” said Leslie Laurie, chair of the EDC and Western Massachusetts Regional Director at New England Treatment Access (NETA). “The pandemic has had a significant impact on many businesses and individuals, and we are pleased to continue our support for their recovery and inspire our community to be part of that.”
“Everyone in our community has a role to play in Northampton’s recovery and we want to put the spotlight on the things that make Northampton the Paradise City,” said Bob Fazzi, a retired business owner and community volunteer who serves on the EDC. “The Vibrancy Project leverages existing partnerships and programs and opens the door for new collaborations to attract new businesses and give people new reasons to return to downtown.”
The project leaders aim to engage with the wider community and promote Northampton’s eclectic dining scene, artisan-filled shopping experience, and thriving music, theater, and performing arts culture. The project will focus on five key areas that will support job growth, promote downtown activities, and encourage new business development. Action Teams have been set up to focus on the five themes to drive the revitalization:
Staffing – Programs to develop and match skilled workers with competitively paying jobs.
Foot Traffic – An expansion of downtown events and activities with broad generational appeal.
New Businesses – A focus on support for new entrepreneurs and new business concepts.
Branding & Promotion – Leverage existing partnerships to amplify tourism promotions.
Funding – Develop increased and sustainable funding to support downtown events.
“This project is a result of a survey conducted among key stakeholders and community leaders who also serve on the EDC,” said Randy Krowtowski, Vibrancy Project Leader and community volunteer on the EDC. “We want to take an integrated approach to economic recovery that benefits several business sectors and provide a path forward for future business success in Northampton.”
“Northampton has always been a destination for tourists,” said GNCC Executive Director Vince Jackson. Our incredible restaurants, our live music and performing arts scene, and our Main Street shopping experience combine to make Northampton a unique and vibrant attraction in Western Massachusetts.”
“As we begin to emerge from the COVID-19 era, we are turning our attention on our downtown to strengthen and reinvest in what makes Northampton such a special place, said Amy Cahillane, Executive Director of the DNA. “The last two years have been difficult for everyone, yet this time has also given us the opportunity to explore new ideas and directions for our downtown culture, such as outdoor dining, more open-air events, and pedestrian malls. We’re looking forward to bringing Northampton back better than ever.”
The Vibrancy Project Steering Committee is seeking additional community volunteers to serve on the five Action Teams. If interested, contact Randy Krowtowski via email at randy@in413.com.