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

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