Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has announced a $20 million investment to rejuvenate downtown areas across the state. The funds, part of the Main Street Matters program, will support various projects aimed at revitalizing commercial corridors and boosting local economies. The initiative, which is part of Shapiro's 2024-25 bipartisan budget, is designed to create vibrant downtowns and enhance small business districts.
According to the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), eligible applicants for the Main Street Matters program include counties, cities, and nonprofit organizations. The funding can be used for community planning, business support, aesthetic improvements, and safety enhancements. Applications for the program are open until November 15, 2024.
Governor Shapiro emphasized the importance of investing in main streets as they are "directly tied" to the economic strength of surrounding towns and cities. During a visit to Fegley’s Brew Works in the Lehigh Valley, he highlighted the role of small businesses in driving economic growth and the challenges posed by new federal tariffs on materials like aluminum and steel.
The Main Street Matters program builds on the success of the Keystone Communities initiative and aims to make Pennsylvania more competitive economically. The Shapiro Administration has also secured over $3 billion in private sector investments and created more than 4,700 jobs since taking office, further demonstrating its commitment to economic development.