Main Street Maryland

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development's Main Street Maryland Program is a place-based designation that strives to strengthen the economic potential of Maryland’s traditional main streets and neighborhoods.

Current Applications

The Department is currently pursuing a Main Street Affiliate designation for Towson.

Approved Main Streets in Baltimore County

• Dundalk
• Reisterstown

Maps

To view a detailed map of each sustainable community, visit our PDF Map Library.

Goals

Main Street Maryland emphasizes the importance of working simultaneously in the following areas:

• Design—Enhancing the physical appearance of the commercial district by rehabilitating historic buildings, encouraging supportive new construction, developing sensitive design management systems, and long-term planning
• Organization—Building consensus and cooperation among the many groups and individuals who have a role in the revitalization process
• Promotion—Marketing the traditional commercial district's assets to customers, potential investors, new businesses, local citizens and visitors
• Economic Restructuring—Strengthening the district's existing economic base while finding ways to expand it to meet new opportunities and challenges from outlying development
• Clean, Safe and Green—Enhancing the perception o f a neighborhood through the principles of Smart Growth and sustainability

Main Street Resources

The Main Street Maryland Program offers official designation as a state-recognized Main Street, as well as technical assistance, training and other services to communities across the State.

These services include:

• Main Street Manager orientation and professional development
• Site visits to help the community develop and plan for the future
• Architectural design and historic preservation assistance
• Specialized training on topics specific to commercial revitalization
• Education about State and Federal programs, grants, and loans
• Facilitate partnerships for designated Main Street communities and other business districts

Eligible Criteria

Maryland communities meeting the following criteria may apply for designation as a state-recognized Main Street:

• A minimum population of 1,000 based on the most recent U.S. Census survey
• Commitment to employ a program manager
• Commitment to organize and maintain a volunteer board of directors or advisory committee, and committees made up of public and private sector individuals
• Commitment to provide a sustainable program budget
• Must be a Sustainable Community approved by the State of Maryland
• Must have a defined, walkable central business district with a significant number of historic commercial buildings

Staff Contact

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact:

Amy Trexler Mantay
Chief, Community Planning
Phone: 410-887-3480
Email: atmantay@baltimorecountymd.gov