A Message from Our Chair

We welcome 2025 with a vision for the future that celebrates our past while pushing forward in the present with hard work, determination and collaboration.

With the semiquincentennial (yes, that’s a word!) celebration now less than a year away, all eyes are on Trenton as a historic city that played a pivotal role in the American Revolution. We look forward to welcoming visitors from around the world in the months to come.

As Chairman of the Board of the Trenton Downtown Association (TDA), I am committed to working tirelessly alongside our local businesses and community partners to create an environment where visitors are eager to explore our city and support our businesses. We will continue to prioritize initiatives that support our small businesses, the backbone of our downtown economy, and provide additional resources that promote entrepreneurship.

On behalf of the Board of TDA, I would like to thank our downtown business owners, committed staff members, and Clean and Safe Team for maintaining, beautifying, and activating our district as well as the City of Trenton and our many partners who collaborate to boost Trenton’s local economy.

In 2024, we saw a number of businesses open or reopen: Health Is Wealth, Jean’s Kitchen, Moja Life, Slammin Brew and Soap Stash.

We worked with our partners to promote businesses, establish new initiatives and enhance existing programs, including:

Clean Team Program

TDA provides daily sweeping of sidewalks; trash collection; weed, graffiti, sticker and litter removal; seasonal power washing; and snow removal.

2024 Highlights:

• Power washer purchased
• New radio devices purchased with translation
• Ambassador business cards printed
• Weekly disinfecting, landscaping and hot spot cleaning
• Headquarters renovations

Supplemental Police Program

We secured additional police presence between 11 am and 7 pm, Monday-Saturday.

2024 Highlights:

• Addressed loitering, public intoxication, double parking and other issues affecting district business and property owners
• Ensured a direct phone line for the off-duty officers was available
• Increased presence in the downtown area, including hotspots

Beautification & Placemaking

• Installed bi-annual seasonal plantings
• Installed holiday decor and banners for the season

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Façade Grant Program

Funds were issued to improve the overall appearance of the following businesses:

• Po-Po
• Lucy’s Wigs
• Jean’s Kitchen
• Sophea’s Nail Salon
• Kevin’s Nail Salon
• City Deli

GYB Grant

TDA’s Grow Your Business (GYB) Grants, which provide up to $5,000 per applicant for eligible costs in the opening and operation of a business, were awarded to these businesses in 2024:

• Moja Life
• Much Better Studios
• The Kit & Denim
• Soap Stash
• Downtown Deli

As we move forward, we will address the objectives outlined at strategic Board planning sessions in 2024, engage with businesses and property owners in a variety of ways, and communicate our initiatives on a consistent, regular basis.

Our plans include:

• Hiring a new Executive Director in the first quarter of 2025
• Addressing parking concerns
• More time at TD Bank
• Parking passes for owners, employees, and customers
• Conversations about food delivery services
• Boosting business development efforts
• Draft and distribute business and customer surveys
• Seek additional grants and other new funding sources
• Participate in conversations that push ahead with the establishment of a "Restaurant Row" in downtown Trenton

In closing, we extend our gratitude for the service of the following individuals who resigned from the Board this past year: Bryan Evans, William “Butch” Osterman, Jo-Ann Povia, Rob Wilborn Jr. and Quayshaun Williams.

We are pleased to announce that we welcomed three new Board members — Julia Taylor, Julie Krause, and Victor Pizzolato — in 2024.

I am honored to serve as TDA’s Board Chair and applaud the efforts of our entire Board, who provide great counsel, resources, and leadership to help move our downtown forward.

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Come to Downtown Trenton!

Austin J. Edwards, Esq.

Chairman, Trenton Downtown Association

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Join the TDA Board Meetings

The TDA Board of Directors meets once a month on Zoom. The meetings are open to the public.

The next meeting will be held: TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 8:30 AM

Please email info@downtowntrenton.com to RSVP and receive a link to the meeting.

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