What is Business District Management?
One Year of Progress
East Carson Street is Pittsburgh’s historic main street in the South Side neighborhood, with the core concentration of commercial storefront activity spanning from 10th Street to 28th Street.
In January 2025, the East Carson Street Business District Management Program was launched through a collaboration of key South Side organizations, including the South Side Community Council, South Side Community Action Network, South Side Chamber of Commerce, and the South Side Hospitality Partnership. The program is being managed by the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership (PDP) during a two-year transition period through 2026, after which leadership will move to a South Side–based organization.
Over the past year, in partnership with PDP and local stakeholders, we have established a dedicated full-time Business District Manager position focused exclusively on East Carson Street. Together, we have built the foundational systems, relationships, and strategic framework necessary to reestablish long-term place management for the corridor.
District management efforts over the past year have focused on strengthening economic vitality and improving the overall experience of the street. This included:
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Retail recruitment and storefront activation
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Public realm and streetscape coordination
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Marketing and communications initiatives
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Event support and programming alignment
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Direct coordination with City departments related to planning, permitting, licensing, inspections, public safety, and street maintenance
Oversight and strategic guidance are provided by the East Carson Street Business District Advisory Committee, composed of property and business owners along the corridor. This group has played a critical role in shaping priorities, reviewing data, and preparing for the next phase of formal district formation.
Business District Management—often referred to as Place Management—can take many forms, including Common Area Maintenance (CAM) associations tied to single-property ownership or public nonprofit models such as Business District Organizations (BDOs), Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), Business Improvement Areas (BIAs), and other multi-owner partnerships within defined geographic boundaries.
Globally, place management has become a proven strategy for sustaining vibrant commercial districts. According to the International Downtown Association, there are more than 4,000 nonprofit place management organizations worldwide, including over 2,500 in North America. Since the 1970s, cities have recognized that thriving downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts require coordinated, supplemental management beyond baseline municipal services.
East Carson Street has not had a staffed district management entity since 2012, when the South Side Local Development Company ceased operations. During that same period, other nearby districts, such as South Side Works, have benefited from consistent investment in cleaning, security, landscaping, and placemaking, as well as structured programming and public space improvements.
The appointment of a dedicated Business District Manager marks a renewed commitment to East Carson Street’s future.
Over the past year, we have built relationships with property owners and merchants, strengthened communication channels, initiated strategic planning for long-term funding mechanisms, and positioned the corridor for a sustainable district management model.
This first year represents an important step forward. The next phase will focus on formalizing a long-term structure.
East Carson Street is working towards building the infrastructure necessary to support its businesses, property owners, and visitors, ensuring that this historic main street remains competitive, welcoming, and economically strong for years to come.
Susan Anderson
Business District Manager, East Carson Street
(412) 566-4196