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Department of Housing and Community Development

Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Announces 2026 Operating Assistance Grants for Economic Development and Growth in Main Street Maryland Communities

Nearly $1 million awarded to 47 local Main Street Maryland programs through the Main Street Improvement Program

NEW CARROLLTON, MD (August 27, 2025) – Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day today announced nearly $1 million in Operating Assistance Grant Program awards for economic development and growth in Maryland communities. Through the Main Street Improvement Program, $974,000 was awarded to 47 local Main Street Maryland programs across the state.

“Great places don’t just happen. They require a potent combination of leadership, density of economic activity, and great design. That is precisely what DHCD in the Moore-Miller Administration is supporting, helping them become great places for residents to live and work – and for tourists to visit and enjoy,” said Secretary Jake Day. “Main Street Maryland has helped revitalize and grow historic and commercial districts across our state for more than 25 years, and these awards will help 47 diverse communities advance their own unique goals and vision for greatness.”

The Main Street Improvement Program provides funding to local governments or economic development organizations approved by the local government to grow and promote a community’s downtown and commercial districts. Some awards include: 

  • The Town of Thurmont’s Main Street program will use their award to support promotion of the town by creating an informational walking tour program. 
  • In Rock Hall, their Main Street program will use the funds to support salary to hire their inaugural Main Street manager. 
  • Downtown Sykesville Connection will use their award to expand their inclusive cultural events and programs throughout the Main Street district

Awards provide operating funds to support the strategic work plans of Main Street organizations that include activities and projects such as placemaking, beautification, and small business development, and events in their program areas, as well as related marketing and advertising. Additionally, funds can be used to assist with other operating costs related to Main Street activities, including staff salaries, professional development, and general overhead.

Main Street Maryland communities continue to drive local economies across the state and have seen 200 new businesses opened, 933 full- or part-time jobs created, and 327 properties improved in Main Street districts in just Calendar Year 2024 alone.

The 2025 Main Street Maryland Conference, organized by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development and the Maryland Economic Development Association, will be held in Easton October 7-8. The annual conference celebrates the people, places, and possibilities that make Maryland’s historic downtowns thrive. Registration for this year’s conference is now open on the Maryland Economic Development Association’s website.

Learn more about Main Street Maryland, how it could help your community, and the upcoming 2025 Main Street Maryland Conference at dhcd.maryland.gov.

 

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