‘Tis the season of giving! Our Annual Giving Campaign has arrived, and if you’re wondering, “Downtown Lynchburg Association…what is that?” you’re in the right place!
The Downtown Lynchburg Association (DLA) was originally known as Lynch’s Landing at it’s founding in 1997. In 2017, Lynch’s Landing rebranded to the Downtown Lynchburg Association (DLA) to better represent the evolution of its mission in the community.
The DLA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has served as the champion for Downtown Lynchburg for 30 years, and is an accredited program/member of Virginia Main Street, National Main Street Center, and the International Downtown Association. While we operate independently and are primarily funded by sponsorships, donations, and grants, we also work in partnership with the City of Lynchburg.
Our core values are to bring excitement and energy to Downtown Lynchburg, ensuring that everyone in the community feels welcome. We strive to do the right thing by being curious, flexible, innovative, and bold — listening to our community so we can evolve together.
To ensure these values are implemented, our vision is to bring the Downtown 2040 Master Plan to life, creating a bustling urban core that serves as the economic, social, and cultural hub of Central Virginia. Our mission is to create a strong, vibrant, and welcoming downtown community where both locals and visitors thrive!
That’s who we are at our core — but what does that actually look like on a daily basis? Let’s break it down!
First, we provide business support by helping small businesses start, relocate, and grow their business downtown. We host business meetups, provide updates and resources, and advocate for downtown businesses — especially during construction and other challenges. Our well-known Launch LYH program provides education, mentorship, and funding for local entrepreneurs.
We also organize events and community programming that encourages people to venture downtown and foster civic pride. These events attract visitors, increase foot traffic, and foster memorable community experiences! Some events you may know:
Bright Nights Block Party and Bluffwalk
Fireworks on the Riverfront
Books/Blooms & Brews
Loft Tour
Shop Small First Shop Crawl
Another initiative we prioritize is placemaking and beautification. Our goal is to make Downtown Lynchburg an inviting space through art installations, seasonal decorations, and public space improvements. We work hard to maintain a welcoming atmosphere that prompts visitors to linger longer and explore.
Lastly, the DLA promotes Downtown as a vibrant destination for dining, shopping, living, and entertainment. Through our website and social media channels, we highlight businesses, attractions, and events. Our goal is to tell the story of Downtown Lynchburg through photos, videos, and digital campaigns that drive awareness and engagement.
Now you know what we do - but the question remains: why is the DLA important to the community?
The DLA is vital to our community because it drives economic growth, fosters community, enhances livability, champions development, and acts as the voice for Downtown.
Through marketing, events, and business support, we are able to increase visitors and sales for local businesses while strengthening social connection and community pride. Likewise, our beautification and placemaking projects help create a cleaner and safer Downtown that everyone can enjoy.
Our alignment with the Downtown 2040 Master Plan ensures Downtown continues to evolve as a vibrant, walkable, and inclusive neighborhood. We are passionate about advocating for the needs and interests of downtown businesses and property owners while fostering collaboration between residents, city departments, and partners.
Seeing the difference the DLA makes, you may be wondering – how can I help?
The Downtown Lynchburg Association’s programs and events are made possible through donations, sponsorships, and community support - not city funding. Your contribution directly supports key initiatives like: free community events; public art and beautification projects; business education and support programs; and marketing efforts.
Every donation directly contributes to making downtown more vibrant, inclusive, and successful!
The DLA’s mission is only possible with the involvement and generosity of our community. Want to get involved?
Make sure to follow the DLA on social media (@downtownlynchburg) to stay connected and attend our events to ensure we can continue hosting community gatherings in the future. And don’t forget to support downtown businesses — whether for a night out or holiday shopping, head Downtown to support local!
Ready to make a difference? Take action now by donating and getting involved as a DLA volunteer. Visit the donate page to make a donation, and head to the volunteer page on our website to sign up and start supporting the work we do.
Together, we can keep building a downtown that brings pride, connection, and growth to everyone who calls Lynchburg home. Your support makes it possible to preserve what we love about Downtown while encouraging meaningful growth for the future.
