The Downtown Carlisle Association is the oldest recognized downtown Main Street program in Pennsylvania. Started in 1978, today's DCA is the leader in downtown destination marketing, downtown business services, special event production, and economic development partnerships dedicated to the betterment and marketing of downtown assets. The New Downtown Carlisle Association is a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit association that has no membership dues. All contributions are tax deductible. Your contribution can be mailed to the DCA at 53 West South St Carlisle, PA 17013. Anyone owning a business, or property within the C-1 district of Carlisle is automatically represented by the DCA. The C-1 district is from West Street to East Street and from North Street to South Street.

The DCA houses an Elm Street program, which is a residential improvement district program that provides facade improvement grants and produces clean, safe and green programs for the Elm Street District located within the boundaries of West High Street and West Street, north to Penn Street, east to East Street and south to East High Street. The Elm Street program is a PA Department of Community and Economic Development program designed to better the housing stock and provide programs for cohesive neighborhood associations.

Retail and business investment is a crucial part of any downtown health and viability. In partnerships with the Borough of Carlisle, Dickinson College and a general partnership of local business leaders called the High I, The DCA runs a retail recruitment program designed to recruit retailers, restaurants and other merchants who are looking to move or expand current businesses, or open a new business in the downtown commercial district.