Organization Description and Mission

Trenton Downtown Association (TDA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to making Trenton, NJ's capital city a more competitive location for business owners and a more engaging center for workers, residents and visitors.

TDA manages Trenton’s Special Improvement District (SID) serving an area consisting about 700 businesses and 500 commercial properties loosely running east to west from the Trenton Amtrak station to Calhoun Street, and north to south from Hanover Street to the Delaware River.

We have three strategic focuses:

• A downtown business attraction and support program
• Arts, culture, and tourism programs
• Public space initiatives

Research Questions

• Who shops at the Downtown Farmers’ Market?  Is the market profitable for participating vendors?  Does the market serve as an entry-point or introduction to nearby businesses?  How might TDA increase participation in the market?  Are there other activities that could be linked to the market?  Are there options for an indoor market during winter months?

• How can TDA encourage and support new business development in downtown Trenton?  How does the current retail landscape compare with Trenton’s past?  What types of businesses do well in downtown?  What kinds of businesses are needed/would be likely to survive in the downtown area?  (What can be learned from successful redevelopment of other small cities?)

• What types of activities would encourage state workers (who comprise the majority of workers) in downtown Trenton to do business with local restaurants and stores, both during and after work hours?  What kinds of marketing/promotion might TDA do to inform workers about local businesses and activities?

• As businesses have relocated away from the downtown area, services for middle-income residents in Trenton have become difficult to find.  What services exist and where?  How are people meeting their needs for childcare? Healthcare? Recreation? 

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