Photo by Dan Sokil | The Reporter.
Borough seeks experienced leader to launch program, attract investment and support local businesses
Lansdale Borough has officially opened applications for its long-anticipated Main Street Manager position, a newly created role designed to drive downtown revitalization and economic development efforts.
Posted April 23 and open until filled, the position will play a central role in launching and shaping Lansdale’s Main Street Program from the ground up. Borough officials said the first 12 months will focus on building program capacity, delivering early results and positioning the borough for long-term investment through Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Main Street initiatives.
Building the program from scratch
The manager will be responsible for formally establishing the borough’s Main Street Program using the nationally recognized Main Street Four-Point Approach®. That includes developing a mission and vision, creating a governance structure with borough leadership and the Economic Development Committee, and assembling an annual work plan and budget aligned with grant requirements.
Tracking performance will also be a key responsibility, with systems required to monitor spending, activities and measurable outcomes tied to DCED expectations.
A major focus of the role will be direct engagement with the local business community. The manager will conduct outreach to business and property owners, build partnerships and maintain an up-to-date inventory of storefronts, vacancies and redevelopment opportunities.
The position also calls for developing strategies to retain existing businesses, recruit new ones and activate vacant spaces through pop-ups or temporary uses. Officials said the goal is to make the Main Street program a central resource for the downtown district.
Beyond business development, the role includes advancing visible improvements to the downtown area. That could involve coordinating façade upgrades, signage, streetscape enhancements or other placemaking projects aimed at improving walkability and overall appearance.
The manager will also work closely with Discover Lansdale to align events and promotions with economic goals, strengthen branding and increase foot traffic through coordinated marketing efforts.
Setting the stage for future funding
Another major component of the job is securing long-term funding and demonstrating early success. The manager will be tasked with identifying grant opportunities, preparing applications and documenting outcomes such as business engagement, investment and physical improvements.
At the end of the first year, the position is expected to produce a comprehensive report outlining progress and priorities for year two.
Qualifications and background
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in planning, business, public administration or a related field, along with three to five years of experience in community or economic development.
The position falls under the borough’s Administration/Finance category and is funded as part of the 2026 budget, which set aside up to $150,000 for the program following years of discussion about creating a dedicated role to support downtown growth.
Borough officials have said the Main Street Manager will likely work out of Borough Hall while maintaining a visible presence throughout town, attending events and meeting with stakeholders regularly.
The position marks a significant step in Lansdale’s broader effort to strengthen its business districts, fill vacant storefronts and compete for state-level revitalization funding.
Residents and interested candidates can apply online here.
