It may sound a bit ambitious, but then the Mt. Lebanon Partnership has five years to accomplish its goals. The nonprofit community development agency, which is composed of appointed community volunteers and charged with increasing the viability of the town’s business districts, has approved a five-year work plan.

The Partnership is dedicated to enhancing the livability of Mt. Lebanon,” says Jim DiGregory, partnership chair, adding that means improving everything from the cultural scene to economic viability—all on a limited annual  budget of about $50,000.

The plan, which goes through 2015, includes four areas of effort: economic development, promotions, design and organization. Each category has a mission, objective and concrete plans for the next five years. Economic development is one of the most comprehensive areas.

OBJECTIVES INCLUDE:

• Job creation through supporting co-working spaces and shared office spaces.
• Developing a real estate committee to potentially rehab strategic commercial district properties.
• Continue the work on establishing a transit-oriented district near the light rail transit lines.

The promotions committee will market major events, including ULTRAparty, Uptown Farmers Market and Winterfest, along with the addition of Plein Air Mt. Lebanon, an outdoor art festival and sale.

The design committee will help preserve historic architecture and encourage good design by supporting historic district designation, and the organization committee will recruit members and provide training opportunities for the group of about 19. Staff liaison Eric Milliron, Mt. Lebanon’s commercial districts manager, works with the group to ensure its success.

“It’s a dedication to a vision and long term goals,” DiGregory says. “We have to continue to be nimble and forward thinking.”

The Partnership’s new website is www.mtlebanonpartnership.com.