By Dylan Lukitsch | Columnist

As we approach the holiday season, it’s important to recognize how important this time of year it is to Pittsburgh’s local economy, and in particular for Northside’s small businesses.

For many businesses in our region, the holiday season provides a much-needed boost that often sustains them throughout the rest of the year. Local retail shops, restaurants, and service providers see an influx of customers, and the vibrancy of Northside’s business districts is on full display. This time of year underscores the importance of supporting our local economy and shopping small, and further shows how the Northside Leadership Conference (NSLC) may play a role in helping our neighborhood and businesses districts thrive throughout the year.

The NSLC, established in 1980, is a multi-neighborhood Community Development Corporation (CDC) that serves as a critical resource for the 18 distinct neighborhoods that make up Pittsburgh’s Northside. By coordinating efforts across these communities, the NSLC fosters growth, sustainability, and vitality, with the goal of improving the overall quality of life for residents and creating a vibrant, inclusive community.

While supporting a wide range of issues, the NSLC has historically focused on community development areas that include real estate development, business and economic-development, public safety, and the overall health of Northsiders. Within real estate development, the NSLC works to revitalize underdeveloped residential and commercial properties, facilitate affordable housing projects, and enhance infrastructure.

Similarly, and just as important is business district development. The NSLC collaborates with local business owners and entrepreneurs to revitalize commercial areas and attract new businesses, while providing business development and retention services to support small business growth and competitiveness.

The NSLC also prioritizes enhancing the public realm, which includes improving parks, streetscapes, and public spaces to create a more walkable and attractive Northside, fostering community pride and connection.

Public safety is another key priority, with the NSLC working alongside law enforcement, neighborhood organizations, and residents to ensure a safe environment for families and businesses. Additionally, the organization focuses on health and wellness, partnering with local health providers to address disparities and ensure access to healthcare and wellness services for Northside residents.

Finally, advocacy plays a central role in the NSLC’s mission. The organization represents Northside communities at local, state, and federal levels, advocating for policies and resources that benefit the community and amplify residents’ voices. Through these efforts, the NSLC is dedicated to creating a vibrant, sustainable future for the Northside.

With that in mind, and in the coming weeks, the NSLC will conduct surveys to gather input from both residents and businesses across the Northside. These surveys will help the organization identify areas for improvement, refine its programs, and ensure that its initiatives are aligned with the needs of the community.

The Northside Leadership Conference is dedicated to building a vibrant, sustainable future for the Northside—one that is inclusive, economically strong, and supportive of all who call this area of Pittsburgh home. With that, we at the Northside Leadership Conference wish everyone a happy and safe holiday!