Governor Shapiro Invests $20M to Revitalize Pennsylvania's Main Streets

Governor Shapiro's Main Street Matters initiative aims to bolster Pennsylvania's downtown areas, supported by a significant $20 million investment from the 2024-25 bipartisan budget. This initiative promises to enhance local economies and small businesses, fulfilling a critical pledge to rejuvenate the Commonwealth’s main streets.

Substantial funding will address infrastructure improvements, boost affordable housing, and support small enterprises across Pennsylvania’s main streets, ensuring vibrant and thriving communities.

Philadelphia, PA

Governor Josh Shapiro unveiled his Administration's commitment to revitalizing 81 community projects statewide through the Main Street Matters program. This initiative, a cornerstone of the Governor's economic strategy, is backed by a $20 million fund in the 2024-25 budget to stimulate local economies and foster small businesses.

During the 2025 National Main Street Now Conference in Philadelphia, Governor Shapiro highlighted the demand for such investments, evidenced by over 200 applications requesting $43 million. The program, managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), will see continued support with another $20 million proposed for the 2025-26 budget.

"Every community in our Commonwealth ― rural, urban, or suburban ― has a Main Street, and I’ve seen firsthand how critical they are to local economies," said Governor Shapiro. "Our Main Streets are the beating hearts of our communities ― and the economic strength of our towns and cities is directly tied to the success of small businesses and our Main Streets. That’s why my Administration has made investing in our Main Streets a priority, and today we’re delivering a historic amount of support for dozens of projects across the Commonwealth. Every Main Street matters ― and I’ll continue bringing people together to invest in and improve our communities."

Main Street Matters: Reinvigorating Local Economies

The Main Street Matters initiative is integral to the Shapiro Administration’s 10-year Economic Development Strategy, aimed at making Pennsylvania a leader in economic development and community revitalization. The 2024-25 bipartisan budget reflects this commitment with significant investments aligned with the Economic Development Strategy. The proposed 2025-26 budget aims to further this mission.

"Governor Shapiro created the Main Street Matters program because he understands that main streets are the heartbeat of their communities ― helping to retain and attract residents, businesses, and visitors," stated DCED Secretary Siger. "This program is an exciting funding tool that will help main streets and downtowns across our Commonwealth achieve their full potential as economic hubs."

Funding Highlights Across Counties

The Main Street Matters initiative will allocate $20 million towards revitalizing downtowns, supporting business growth, and enhancing infrastructure. Here are some key projects:

• Allegheny County: $213,326 for Pittsburgh Innovation District to enhance the S. Craig Street business corridor.
• Beaver County: $500,000 for Ambridge Borough to improve Merchant Street's streetscape.
• Chester County: $1,000,000 to Square Roots Community Partnership for creamery building restoration.
• Columbia County: $678,062 for Coblentz Corner Project in the Berwick Arts District.
• Lackawanna County: $403,806 for Scranton City's Clover Field Park redevelopment.
• Lancaster County: $823,917 for Community Basics, Inc. to rehab Three Center Square.
• Mercer County: $70,000 for Downtown Greenville Façade Improvement Program.
• Northampton County: $1,000,000 for the Bethlehem Steel Turn and Grind Shop redevelopment.
• Philadelphia County: $1,000,000 for the 52nd Street commercial corridor improvement.

Governor Shapiro has engaged directly with business owners and community leaders in places like Mt. Lebanon, West Philadelphia, and Honesdale, gathering insights to inform the Main Street Matters initiative.

Governor Shapiro’s leadership is pivotal in driving Pennsylvania's economic growth, focusing on empowering businesses, fortifying Main Streets, and creating jobs. These strategic investments are vital for the prosperity of all communities across the Commonwealth, ensuring businesses have the necessary support to flourish.

To learn more about Governor Shapiro's plans for Pennsylvania's businesses and main streets, visit the Governor’s 2025-26 budget proposal at shapirobudget.pa.gov and discover how the Administration is creating economic opportunity to build a stronger, more competitive economy for all Pennsylvanians.

```