The Main Street Matters (MSM) program, offered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), is a grant initiative designed to revitalize downtown cores and surrounding neighborhoods across all counties in Pennsylvania. This program aligns with the broader mission of fostering vibrant, safe, and welcoming communities through strategic community and economic development efforts. The grant size can be up to $50,000, and applications are accepted between September 3, 2024, and November 15, 2024.
The target beneficiaries of the MSM program include units of local government (such as cities, counties, and boroughs), redevelopment and/or housing authorities, nonprofit organizations, community development corporations, and business improvement districts. The primary impact goal is to support the revitalization of Pennsylvania's communities by providing tools and funding that enable various development efforts.
The program prioritizes several key areas, including planning activities, façade improvement grants, business support, accessible housing initiatives, and safety/security enhancements. These focuses are designed to address multifaceted needs within downtown areas, promoting comprehensive revitalization rather than isolated improvements. Eligible entities can also pursue designation as a Main Street or Elm Street, which further facilitates targeted investment and development in their communities.
Expected outcomes include enhanced community aesthetics and functionality through façade and business improvements, increased local economic activity due to business support and district development projects, and improved social equity through accessible housing programs. Measurable results could include the number of façade improvements completed, new businesses supported, housing units made accessible, and the overall increase in community engagement and safety metrics within designated areas.
The MSM program's strategic approach embodies a theory of change that posits that by investing in key community and economic development areas, particularly in downtown cores, a ripple effect of positive change will occur. This involves not only physical improvements but also the fostering of local governance capacity, business growth, and social well-being, ultimately leading to more resilient and thriving communities across Pennsylvania.
