In the year 2063 Gettysburg will celebrate the 200th anniversary of the battle that has brought us a sprawling National Military Park, millions of tourists, and a town full of great people and fun things to do.
But what will Gettysburg look like in 2063? Will it still be a beautiful town, a place that draws millions of tourists every year, and a home to thousands of satisfied residents?
Gettysburg 2063 is a non-partisan coalition of individuals concerned with the long-term future of Gettysburg and its surrounding areas. Our goal is to sustain the historical importance and setting of our region while supporting its business communities and residents.
Our goals include the following:
- Foster open and transparent communication among community members, local government boards, councils, and commissions, and local, state, and federal officials.
- Encourage residents and others to learn about and contribute to their local government by providing information on current issues, sharing meeting agendas and minutes, explaining why it is important to be involved, and encouraging civic participation.
- Network with existing groups and organizations already working on solutions to local issues.
- Encourage solutions that benefit the community, including support for underserved residents, public transportation, environmental sustainability, ADA compliance, and attractive streetscapes and treescapes.
- Research and document planning and financial aspects of local government including tax legislation and financial assistance through grants.
Here are some questions we are asking, and we hear the community asking:
In 2063:
- Will there be good jobs for our residents?
- Will the borough have many tall buildings, or will it remain true to its authentic eighteenth and nineteenth-century appearance, which drives heritage tourism?
- Will the Gettysburg National Military Park continue to be the jewel of Gettysburg and the United States?
- Will Route 30 still bring hundreds of semi-trucks every day through Lincoln Square? Will our roads be more congested? Where will people park?
- Will our residents feel safe in our community, on the streets, in schools and shops, and in their homes?
- Will there be strong public and private schools?
- Will there be strong non-profit and religious institutions supporting our community efforts to care for the marginalized? What will government programs contribute?
- What will Lincoln Square look like? Will there be thriving restaurants, shops and other businesses? Will there still be celebrations held as attractions?
- Will there still be paid metered car parking or will alternative forms of transportation prevail? Or alternative funding sources so meters are not necessary?
- Will there be long traffic delays at our stoplights?
- Will there still be tour buses here? How many?
- Will housing be available for those who work here, and make the economy prosper?
- Will we have made progress on environmental sustainability?
- Would Gettysburg 2063 be a place you (or your children) would want to live?
The future of Gettysburg belongs to you. Your actions make a difference.
Please sign up for our email newsletter to participate in our mission.
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Gettysburg 2063 is made possible by community members who work to make a difference. Please contact us if you’d like to join our mission. mail@gbg2063.org