ANNAPOLIS, MD (September 25, 2020) – Governor Larry Hogan today announced that two new communities have received Main Street Maryland designations: Reisterstown in Baltimore County and the Town of Williamsport in Washington County. Following the designation of Aberdeen in Harford County earlier this year, Main Street Maryland has now designated 33 communities statewide, supporting locally-owned businesses, events, and activities that provide residents and visitors with an authentic Maryland experience.

“Main streets are the heart of our communities, and these designations are the result of a strategic focus on local revitalization,” said Governor Hogan. “These communities have made great efforts to support small businesses and improve their neighborhood economy while celebrating their cultural character and history.”

Created in 1998 and managed by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, the Main Street Maryland program builds partnerships with local governments, nonprofits, and businesses to strengthen the economic development potential in Maryland’s historic downtown districts and neighborhoods.

Reisterstown is the second designated Maryland Main Street in Baltimore County. Founded in 1758 and a National Register Historic District, Reisterstown still maintains its 18th century charm with an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and businesses.

The Town of Williamsport is the second Maryland Main Street in Washington County. Williamsport is considered a Canal Town given its proximity to the Historic C&O Canal, which annually attracts 400,000 visitors who enjoy the attractions, eateries, and shops found downtown. Governor Hogan participated in the groundbreaking for the C&O Canal National Historic Park Headquarters last fall.

“We are pleased to add Reisterstown and Williamsport as our newest Main Street Maryland designees,” said Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Kenneth C. Holt. “They join 31 other vibrant communities that exemplify the impact of place-based, community-driven, comprehensive revitalization efforts in our great state.”

As the state coordinating program of the National Main Street Center, Main Street Maryland is part of a national network of state programs across the country and is authorized to bestow official, nationally-recognized Main Street designations for communities in Maryland. To date, neighborhood revitalization and redevelopment activities in designated Main Street Maryland communities have supported approximately 3,200 new and expanding businesses; created more than 11,600 jobs; leveraged nearly $4 million in private investment for more than 4,400 projects, as well as $3.6 million in public investment for nearly 1,400 projects; and leveraged almost 800,000 hours of volunteer work with a wage value of almost $23 million.

For more information about Main Street Maryland and the state’s 33 designated main streets, visit mainstreetmaryland.org.

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MEDIA CONTACTS:

Owen McEvoy, Director of the Office of Public Information
owen.mcevoy@maryland.gov

Sara Luell, Director of Communications
sara.luell@maryland.gov