Trenton Downtown Association Announces Executive Board

In a message from newly elected Board Chair Bryan Evans, TDA addresses the nonprofit organization’s initiatives and goals for 2023.

TRENTON, N.J., January 19, 2023—The Trenton Downtown Association welcomed the new year with a clear message from Bryan Evans, the organization’s newly elected Board Chair: Progress is made when we work together to achieve common goals and a shared vision.

Last week, Evans addressed the community in a new year message that affirmed TDA’s commitment to its community, staff, Clean and Safe Team, and stakeholders, including downtown business and property owners, the City of Trenton, and other partner organizations. He also announced that during its December 2022 Annual Meeting, TDA reelected board members Kamal Bathla, Liad Onitiri, Wayne Downing and Raoul Momo, and announced its newly established executive committee: Bryan Evans, Chair; William “Butch” Osterman, Vice Chair; Anne LaBate, Treasurer; and Cassandra “Cassie” Sanchez, Secretary.

“In 2022, TDA sharpened its focus on clean and safe, beautification, and creative placemaking, while investing in capital improvements and collaborating with partners to create impactful events downtown,” Evans notes. “While local economic challenges remain formidable, we see signs of a positive recovery from the aftershocks of COVID-19 as foot traffic begins to trend upward.”

TDA’s emphasis on its Clean and Safe Team, Supplemental Police, and Beautification programs in 2022 is a clear signal. “Downtown Trenton is a significant historic district, with wonderful cultural attractions, great food, a lively arts scene and, of course, our state capital,” adds Evans. “We understand that a cleaner, safer and more attractive downtown district is key to attracting and retaining businesses, residents and visitors. This has to be our focus.”

Evans pointed out that 2022 saw the addition of 100 self-watering planters, new garbage cans, decorative street pole banners, and holiday lighting and decor, as well as various capital improvements. “In 2023, we aim to further enhance these and other programs with expanded crews, enhanced equipment and more comprehensive data collection to better inform our planning of services,” he says.

TDA is also planning new plantings, as well as additional public art and decorations, wayfinding signage, and sculptures — all to beautify and create a more inviting downtown area.

“We plan to increase our off-duty police program, provide support to at-need populations, add more lighting, promote facade enhancement programs, and expand our pole banner and holiday decor, including possible art contests,” Evans notes.

TDA will also play an important role in supporting popular events such as the Capital City Farmers’ Market, the Levitt AMP Trenton Music Series, Patriots Week, First Fridays and more.

“Working together, we established a solid foundation for a reimagined downtown with new initiatives and enhancements to existing programs and opportunities for investment,” he continues. “We are excited and optimistic about the year ahead.”

About Trenton Downtown Association

Trenton Downtown Association, located at 16 East Hanover Street, in the heart of downtown Trenton, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to strengthen and support the business district of New Jersey’s state capital with programs that promote its economic growth and investment. Its staff is involved in business recruitment and retention, public relations, advocacy, marketing support, referrals, partnership development, and job creation.

For more information, call (609) 337-8439, email info@trenton-downtown.com or visit trenton-downtown.com.