For the month of June, the Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce is highlighting the Greensburg Community Development Corporation. The Greensburg Community Development Corporation (GCDC) is a nonprofit community and economic development organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life and economic vitality of the City of Greensburg. The GCDC works collaboratively with local government, businesses, property owners, developers, institutions, and residents to support sustainable growth and revitalization efforts throughout the city.
GCDC’s mission is to advance economic vitality, smart development, and cultural integration through public-private partnerships and community-based solutions. The organization envisions a thriving and prosperous Greensburg where economic opportunity, community engagement, and cultural assets contribute to long-term success.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, GCDC has played a significant role in downtown redevelopment and neighborhood improvement initiatives. Over the decades, the organization has helped facilitate the redevelopment of underutilized and deteriorated properties, attracted new businesses and investment, and supported projects that strengthen the city’s commercial and cultural districts.
One of GCDC’s primary functions is administering and promoting incentive programs designed to encourage private investment. These include façade improvement grants, the Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance (LERTA) program, and the Greensburg Fund for redevelopment assistance for commercial property owners and developers. Through these initiatives, GCDC helps reduce barriers to investment while supporting property improvements, historic preservation, job creation, and economic growth.
Beyond economic development, GCDC contributes to community-building efforts that enhance Greensburg’s identity and appeal. Two programs operated through GCDC are Greensburg Restaurant Week and the Hometown Hero Banners, including the ceremony held every May honoring local veterans and community members since 2020. The GCDC also collaborates with local partners to support community events that help foster civic pride, attract visitors, and strengthen connections among residents, businesses, and institutions. The Greensburg Development Conference is their signature event, gathering public and private investors and development partners to learn about opportunities in Greensburg along with key issues related to local revitalization efforts. This year’s event is October 13 at the Seton Hill Performing Arts Center.
A major GCDC initiative is to pursue Main Street Designation through The Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED). This program has allowed designated communities to receive DCED Operational funds to support their 5-year strategies impacting economic development in small cities and towns throughout Pennsylvania. While the application process is a rigorous one spanning up to 9 months, the GCDC staff and board have accomplished their application in a mere 7 months! The GCDC is confident that the City of Greensburg already possesses the assets necessary for success, such as a historic downtown, strong institutions, regional accessibility, cultural attractions, and established economic development tools.
When speaking to current board members of the GCDC, common trends were seen when the question was asked, “Why they choose to be an active board member for this organization?” Common answers included that they want to make a difference in Greensburg and surrounding communities to make this region an attractive place to live and work, and allowing the next generation to experience great things, which they can look to from past history and their own personal memories.
The GCDC achieved its 50th anniversary in 2025 and continues to maintain their important vision for Greensburg. With their “Think Greensburg” tagline, the GCDC is recruiting new board members for 2027 who will continue to help them achieve their goals in the future. They have a rotating board of directors and seats will become available beginning in 2027. The application process to become a board member will start later this year in October, and interested individuals can contact the GCDC directly for more information.
The GCDC remains a key partner in shaping the future of Greensburg. Through strategic planning, economic development initiatives, property revitalization efforts, and community engagement, GCDC continues to support a vibrant downtown, strong neighborhoods, and a resilient local economy that benefits residents and businesses alike. We are excited to recognize the work of the GCDC and will look forward to their annual Development Conference in October.
GCDC – Thank you for all that you do and cheers to another 50 years of service!
