WWW.YORKCITY.ORG YORK, PA A CITY REVITALIZING THROUGH INNOVATION, COMMUNITY, AND OPPORTUNITY
YORK, PA AT A GLANCE CITY OF YORK WHAT: A historic city undergoing revitalization through housing, workforce development, and community-focused initiatives WHERE: S outh-central Pennsylvania WEBSITE: www.yorkcity.org A CITY REVITALIZ INNOVATION, CO OPPORTUNITY 1 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 02
ZING THROUGH OMMUNITY, AND York, Pennsylvania, affectionately known as the “White Rose City,” is experiencing a remarkable transformation that bridges its rich historical legacy with an ambitious vision for the future. Positioned strategically in south-central Pennsylvania, this vibrant hub of 50,000 residents offers a unique blend of urban amenities and small-town charm, all within easy reach of major cities like Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia. PERFECTLY POSITIONED AS A HUB FOR CREATIVITY, CONNECTION, AND GROWTH. Photo Credit: Clifton Kern 2 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 02
“York is very proud of its history,” says Mayor Michael Helfrich, noting the city’s significant historic role. “Being one of the first capitals of the United States and the place where our first constitution was agreed upon is exciting, especially as we approach the 250th anniversary of that event.” However, the city is also a haven for creativity and innovation, where traditional industries mingle with cuttingedge entrepreneurship.“One of my favorite examples is Lee King, who runs a hip-hop music studio right behind city hall, but in the same space, he’s using 3D printing technology to create prosthetics for top-tier medical companies,” Helfrich shares.“That’s the kind of creativity we nurture here.” The city’s social amenities rival that of much larger urban centers, offering an impressive array of dining options and entertainment venues like the Appell Center, celebrating its 100-year anniversary, which hosts the York Symphony and various performing arts events. Performances of live music nearly every night, and local art in galleries, coffee shops and boutiques around the city showcase the city’s cultural diversity. At the center of it all is York’s gem for visitors, the Yorktowne Hotel. After receiving a $50 million facelift, it is celebrating its 100 year anniversary in 2025. The Yorktowne is just 15 minutes from the York Airport and 45 minutes from Harrisburg International Airport. This blend of history, innovation, and culture has made York increasingly attractive to those seeking an alternative to big-city living. With housing prices that remain relatively affordable despite rising demand, and a strong sense of community, York represents a unique opportunity for those looking to be part of a city on the rise. As Mayor Helfrich puts it, “We’re seeing a lot of people move here who are tired of the stress of big cities and can still have the urban amenities without all the traffic and hustle and bustle.” A RENAISSANCE OF CULTURE AND COMMUNITY York’s transformation is most evident in its thriving downtown, where empty storefronts have given way to bustling local businesses and vibrant cultural spaces. Through the efforts of Downtown Inc, the city’s equivalent of a Main Street program, York has cultivated a dynamic urban core that draws residents and visitors. “Downtown Inc has done an incredible job working with us to recruit businesses and help entrepreneurs,” Mayor Helfrich explains.“There are many homegrown restaurants and businesses here in York. We’ve seen quite a change over the last 10 years.” This revival Photo Credit: York County Economic Alliance (YCEA) Our Lady of Culture, The 100-Year-Old Appell Center 3 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 02 YORK, PA
seeking a balance between urban amenities and a more manageable pace of life. “We had more businesses open during Covid than close,” the mayor notes, crediting federal relief programs for helping sustain small businesses through challenging times. “Now we’re seeing really good performance on every level in the economy here in York.” is particularly notable in the city’s entertainment district, where venues like the Appell Center have become cultural anchors, hosting everything from symphony performances to jazz nights. The city’s strategic location has proven to be a major asset in attracting new residents and businesses. Post-COVID, York has become a magnet for those 4 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 02
In York, PA, We Protect Those Who Protect Us® We provide warfighters with mission-ready combat capabilities that are built to dominate and endure even the most challenging battlespaces. Deeply rooted in the U.S. defense industrial base and our local community, we show up proudly to work each day knowing we’re contributing to something bigger. jobs.baesystems.com/york
A ROBUST INDUSTRIAL NETWORK ROOTED IN OUR COMMUNITIES When we come to work every day at BAE Systems, we are contributing to something bigger than ourselves. Today’s battlefields are important reminders to our employees that their work designing and building next-generation combat capabilities—including combat vehicles and weapon systems—for the U.S. military and its allies directly supports the defense of democracy worldwide. Equally important to our mission is the impact that our team members have in their local communities. Each year, our employees dedicate time in their communities to volunteer, plant trees, build homes and support local schools by teaching students about the importance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. From their homes to their local BAE Systems’ facility, our employees serve as pillars in their communities and the U.S. defense industrial base. For decades, BAE Systems has leveraged our robust network of sites nationwide to ensure our troops have the absolute best capability available. Each of our sites not only support the development, production and support of our programs but are also engrained in their neighborhoods, many with operations dating back to World War II.They boast decades of experience in combat vehicle and weapon systems design and manufacturing excellence. We have become the backbone of the U.S. Army’s Armored Brigade Combat Team, developed a family of amphibious vehicles for the U.S. Marine Corps, and reliably delivered weapon systems and components to U.S. Navy ships for decades. Over the last 80 years, our sites have continuously proven their ability to achieve BAE Systems’ core mission: We Protect Those Who Protect Us®. While our footprint is vast, our sites are truly engrained in their neighborhoods. From San Jose, California to Anniston, Alabama to York, Pennsylvania, our network of sites spans major cities and small towns, with each stop playing a crucial role in delivering cutting-edge systems to warfighters. One thing is very clear to us: our made-in-America rooted industrial network is critical to our nation.These sites across the U.S., and our talented employees, are important contributors to the prosperity of our local economies and communities that our team members call home. It’s our people that enable our network to be effective. Their grit, hard work, expertise and determination are at the core of BAE Systems’ availability to meet the needs of customers. As we continue the path of innovation and challenge of the status quo, our well-established U.S. industrial network will continue to perform today and adapt to what tomorrow will bring, meanwhile leaning on the decades of experience providing unmatched capabilities the warfighter.
This economic resilience is matched by a strong sense of community engagement. Local philanthropic organizations, including the Warehime Foundation and Powder Mill Foundation, have been instrumental in supporting city initiatives. “Our philanthropy community is next to none here,” Mayor Helfrich emphasizes. “These folks have invested constantly in the city and county, very selflessly.” HISTORIC ARCHITECTURE MEETS MODERN DEVELOPMENT Architectural heritage forms a stunning backdrop to Photo Credit: Clifton Kern Lafayette Colonial Court House Plough Tavern – America’s Capitol 1777-1778 7 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 02 YORK, PA
York’s ongoing development, combining Victorianera charm with contemporary innovation. The city’s historic streetscapes have become a draw for architects and preservationists alike, with buildings dating back to the 1740s standing alongside thoughtfully repurposed industrial spaces. “I had folks in here from New Hampshire, Denver, and Brooklyn recently,” Mayor Helfrich shares, “and when I told them that a brownstone house would go for about $220,000 to $250,000, and one of these 150-year-old smaller brick homes you could probably pick up for $150,000, their jaws dropped.” This 8 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 02
affordability, combined with the city’s architectural significance, has caught the attention of academics and urban planners.As the mayor notes,“A professor from Georgetown University brought his students up here to look at all the diverse architecture in such a relatively small area.” The city’s approach to development emphasizes adaptive reuse, particularly of its industrial heritage. A prime example is the transformation of the former Dentsply campus, a 17-acre site that once housed the dental supply giant founded in York in the early 1900s.“These buildings are being transformed into elder care facilities, senior housing, and market-rate apartments,” Mayor Helfrich explains. While preserving its historical character, York faces unique challenges in modernizing its infrastructure. “Being only 5.2 square miles, we’ve been essentially built out since the 1800s,” Mayor Helfrich notes.“It’s all about reimagining existing spaces now.” This limitation has sparked innovative solutions, with developers and city planners working together to create mixed-use spaces that serve modern needs while respecting historical context. HOUSING INNOVATION AND AFFORDABILITY York’s approach to housing development follows a comprehensive strategy that addresses multiple community needs while maintaining affordability. With housing demand at an all-time high and properties selling within days of listing, the city is embarking on an ambitious plan to create over a thousand new housing units in the next five years, ranging from affordable housing to upscale condominiums. “The demand for housing is so high. We are one of the highest demand cities in the entire country,” Mayor Helfrich explains.“A house here will only stay Photo Credit: Randy Flaum In York We Look to Our Past and Our Future 9 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 02 YORK, PA
PARTNERING WITH YORK TO BUILD A STRONGER FUTURE For nearly 80 years, Buchart Horn has been proud to call York home, contributing to its growth and revitalization through innovative design and engineering solutions. As a trusted partner to the City of York, we have collaborated on transformative projects that enhance infrastructure, support economic development, and improve the quality of life for residents. Our local efforts reflect our commitment to creating sustainable, functional, and communityfocused spaces. Buchart Horn continues to play a pivotal role in the renovation of historic landmarks, municipal facilities, and critical infrastructure projects throughout the city. These initiatives include preserving the unique architectural character of York while incorporating modern functionality to meet evolving needs. We’re particularly proud of our work on projects that prioritize sustainability and energy efficiency, addressing the pressing challenges of today while building a foundation for the future. From downtown revitalization efforts to community-centric designs, our projects aim to make York a vibrant place to live, work, and visit. As York continues to innovate and grow, Buchart Horn remains dedicated to supporting its vision, offering expertise in architecture, engineering, and planning to shape a brighter future for the city we are proud to call home. Engineering and Design Excellence for over 79 years. Headquartered in York, PA with Offices in: Louisiana • Mississippi • New Jersey • Pennsylvania • Tennessee Virginia • West Virginia • Germany www.bucharthorn.com Business View Magazine BH Ad.indd 1 12/20/2024 10:35:27 AM
on the market for four or five days, and apartments are hard to get.” While this demand has led to a 160% increase in housing prices over the last decade, York remains relatively affordable compared to neighboring metropolitan areas. The city’s housing strategy emphasizes diversity in housing types and price points. A standout example is the development right by the mayor’s house, where Four Squares, an African American development group, is building 20 new single-family homes on land that had been vacant for decades, a project that exemplifies inclusive development and community renewal. The housing initiatives also address broader social challenges.“Our shelters are at a bottleneck because of the affordable housing crisis,” Mayor Helfrich notes. “When people can’t find affordable places to live, they get stuck in shelters, which prevents others from accessing those services.” To address this, York is prioritizing development at all levels.“If we build for everyone—affordable, middle-market, and higherend—it creates opportunities for people to move up,” he explains. “That, in turn, frees up more affordable options for others.” WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND SECOND CHANCES Workforce development in York combines innovative training programs with a deeply compassionate focus on second chances. Through partnerships with organizations like Tech Centro and Crispus Attucks, the city is creating pathways to employment while addressing labor market gaps in an evolving economy. A groundbreaking initiative involves virtual reality career training, funded through a grant from Comcast and the U.S. Conference of Mayors. “We got a grant to purchase virtual reality goggles that are career training goggles,” Mayor Helfrich explains.“You can be incarcerated but be in a virtual world where you’re learning new skillsets.” The program offers training in various fields, from mechanical work to drone operation and aircraft maintenance, ensuring Photo Credit: Robert Nulph Magic Brought to Life In the Strand Theater of the Appell Center 11 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 02 YORK, PA
UPMC Memorial, the newest UPMC hospital in York County, opened in 2019 in West Manchester Township. The hospital’s roots in the community date back to 1945 with the founding of Memorial Hospital. UPMC Memorial is a 104-bed hospital with all private patient rooms. The modern, five-level facility provides acute and emergency medical care, cardiology and vascular services, Level II NICU, chronic disease management, surgical services, and treatment for patients in need of long-term acute care. An adjacent outpatient services building houses surgery, imaging services, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and UPMC Magee-Womens services. The campus includes a walking trail that is maintained and open to the community to use. In 2024, UPMC established a farm on the campus. The goal of the farm is to produce fresh fruits and vegetables that will be used in our patient’s meals and available within our hospital cafeteria for staff and visitors. With space for future expansion available on-site, UPMC Memorial will be able to serve the health care needs of York County for generations. Key services at UPMC Memorial include: General Surgery, UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, UPMC Magee-Womens, UPMC Transplant Evaluation Clinic Learn more about UPMC Memorial at UPMC.com/Memorial. Key services at UPMC Memorial include: • General Surgery • UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute • UPMC Hillman Cancer Center • UPMC Magee-Womens • UPMC Transplant Evaluation Clinic Visit UPMC.com/Memorial to learn more. 7422_upmc_cpa_memorial_7_5x4_9.indd 1 1/27/25 4:04 PM
participants are job-ready upon release. The city’s workforce strategy particularly emphasizes supporting returning citizens.“Because of the labor shortage, we’re seeing more second chances for people, and that’s great,” Mayor Helfrich shares. “We’re working hard to make sure they have the tools to succeed.”This approach involves partnerships with organizations like the York County Re-entry Coalition, South Central PA Works and major employers, creating a support network that facilitates successful reintegration into the workforce. The impact of these programs goes beyond individual success stories to strengthen entire communities. “When someone coming out of prison has a job and a chance to rebuild, it’s not just about them—it uplifts their family, their neighborhood, and even local businesses,” Mayor Helfrich explains. This comprehensive approach to workforce development, combining practical training with support services and entrepreneurial opportunities, exemplifies how York is creating pathways to success for all its residents. Photo Credit: Randy Flaum Crowds and Fireworks for our 2024 York Revolution Champions at WellSpan Park 13 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 02 YORK, PA
within minutes along scenic waterways, through farm country, orchards, and beautiful little, small towns nestled in the foothills of the Appalachians,” Mayor Helfrich describes.This 20-mile trail network provides recreational opportunities and serves as a vital transportation link, connecting to Maryland’s trail system and offering access to Baltimore via light rail. The city’s location between the Susquehanna River and the Appalachian Mountains provides diverse outdoor activities within easy reach. “If you go 15 minutes to the East, you have amazing fishing and kayaking opportunities on the Susquehanna. Go west about 30 to 40 minutes, and you’re on the Appalachian Trail,” Mayor Helfrich explains. A local ski resort adds winter recreation to the mix, making York a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Urban planning in York prioritizes accessibility to these outdoor amenities. “A hundred percent of the housing that we are developing will be within two OUTDOOR RECREATION AND URBAN CONNECTIVITY Outdoor recreation and connectivity initiatives in York have created a uniquely livable urban environment where nature and city life seamlessly intersect. The crown jewel of this system is the York County Heritage Rail Trail, which offers residents and visitors access to an extensive network of recreational opportunities. “The York County Heritage Rail Trail takes you We pride ourselves on helping our communities stay healthy and strong. Providing safe, reliable water and wastewater service to approximately 2.3 million people in more than 400 communities across the state is our top priority. Whether it be investing hundreds of millions in our infrastructure, performing thousands of water quality tests or using innovative technologies, we provide water and wastewater solutions communities can depend on, so that quality service is on tap. We do this because we care about our customers and communities as much as we care about water. FOR PENNSYLVANIA PROVIDING SOLUTIONS COMMUNITIES FOR MORE THAN A CENTURY 14 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 02
blocks of the rail trail or a connector trail,” Mayor Helfrich notes.The city is also working to enhance its urban mobility infrastructure, particularly focusing on walkability and bikeability. Despite the challenges of retrofitting a Victorian-era street grid,York continues to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility. CREATING A SAFER CITY: VIOLENCE PREVENTION AND COMMUNITY BUILDING In York, public safety combines innovative policing strategies with deep community engagement, resulting in remarkable progress in violence reduction.Through a mix of compassionate outreach and targeted interventions, the city achieved an 80% reduction in gang-related shootings in 2023, demonstrating the effectiveness of its holistic approach. “The most rewarding thing is to see the young people stop shooting each other,” Mayor Helfrich shares. The city’s strategy includes unique initiatives like a violence-related scholarship program that provides educational opportunities to those impacted by violence—whether as perpetrators, victims, or family members.“When you invest in people, you invest in Photo Credit: Clifton Kern York County History Center Made in York 15 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 02 YORK, PA
restore community spaces that were lost to budget cuts in the late 1990s and early 2000s.“When we lost our community centers, the violence went up,” Mayor Helfrich explains. “Now, we’re working to reopen spaces where kids can interact with police officers, play basketball, or learn music.” Current plans include a new police-based community center and a career training facility that will offer free programs to local youth. As York continues its transformation, the city stands tall as a model for how mid-sized American cities can reinvent themselves while preserving their historical character. Through innovative housing solutions, workforce development programs, and comprehensive safety strategies, York is creating a template for sustainable urban renewal. As Mayor Helfrich reflects on the city’s progress, his vision is practical and hopeful: “You only get to vote twice a year for who your leadership is, but you get to vote every day with your dollar to determine what kind of community you want to have.” the future of this city,” the mayor emphasizes. A key component of York’s success has been its unconventional approach to leadership and community outreach. Mayor Helfrich appointed a former high school police chief to lead the city’s police department, recognizing the value of his personal connections with at-risk youth. The department also employs trauma-informed outreach workers who engage with families immediately after violent incidents to prevent retaliatory violence. At the same time, the city is actively working to 16 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 02
PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n BAE Systems www.baesystems.com BAE Systems’ Combat Mission Systems business employs more than 5,000 team members in 12 states across America. We all have one thing in common: a heart for mission. Our people know the work they do matters for Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen – they are our customer and we’re proud to provide for them. n Buchart Horn, Inc. www.bucharthorn.com Buchart Horn, Inc. is a full-service engineering and architectural firm with 12 offices in the U.S. and Europe, specializing in water resources, architecture, and transportation. Renowned for core values and client satisfaction, the firm boasts a 90%+ repeat client rate, reflecting its commitment to excellence and community impact WH E R E MA J E S T I C M E E T S NOSTALGIC yorktowne.com lnsyo-salesadm@hilton.com ParkerJ@gfhotels.com 717.848.1111 THE YORKTOWNE HOTEL Photo Credit: Clifton Kern York City Executive Staff with Ella Fitzgerald and Fr 17 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 02 YORK, PA
n UPMC Memorial www.upmc.com/memorial UPMC is a world-renowned, nonprofit health care provider and insurer committed to delivering exceptional, people-centered care and community services. Headquartered in Pittsburgh and affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences, UPMC is shaping the future of health through clinical and technological innovation, research, and education. n Pennsylvania American Water www.pennsylvaniaamwater.com Pennsylvania American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and wastewater services to approximately 2.3 million people. n Royal Square Development & Construction www.rsdcinc.com Royal Square is a premier design-build construction and development company headquartered in York, Pennsylvania. Trusted by businesses, nonprofits, developers, and investors seeking innovative, cost-effective solutions for transforming spaces. With a commitment to transparency, efficiency, and community impact, RSDC delivers exceptional results that help clients achieve their vision – on time and on budget. n The Yorktowne Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton www.yorktowne.com Create Your Own Yorktowne Story When You Plan Your Next Event or Stay With Us! Located in historic downtown York, Yorktowne Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton is part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton’s world-class hotel brands. rank Sinatra Mural in Yorktowne Hotel Dining Room 18 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 02
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