Gettysburg Receives Main Street Designation, Accesses $225K Funding
Editorial StaffGettysburg's new Main Street designation brings promising opportunities for the Historic District, unlocking access to $225,000 in grant funding.
Governor Josh Shapiro's 2025-26 state budget earmarks $20 million to bolster downtown areas through the Main Street Matters initiative.
Gettysburg Welcomes Main Street Designation
Gettysburg, PA – Today marks a significant advancement for downtown Gettysburg as it earns a new Main Street designation via the Main Street Matters initiative. Established by Governor Josh Shapiro in 2024, this program received a $20 million boost in the 2025-26 state budget, aiming to empower business districts to foster vibrant communities.
Main Street Gettysburg can now seek up to $225,000 in funding and benefit from complimentary technical assistance to activate its five-year plan. The strategy is centered on creating a welcoming and accessible historic district, revitalizing tourism on Steinwehr Avenue, and enhancing connectivity within the Olde Getty Place neighborhood.
Recently, Secretary Rick Siger of the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) visited Gettysburg, engaging with local businesses such as Lark Gifts, Martin’s Family Shoes, and others, witnessing firsthand the town's historic charm and small business vitality.
“This new designation for Main Street Gettysburg will provide important benefits for development and community improvements while preserving the downtown’s historic character,” stated Secretary Siger. “Governor Shapiro secured continued funding for Main Street Matters in his 2025-26 state budget because he understands that main streets are the economic engines that fuel local and regional growth. This Administration is committed to ensuring communities have the tools they need to reach their full potential.”
Revitalization and Economic Growth Strategy
A crucial component of Pennsylvania’s 10-year Economic Development Strategy, Main Street Matters aims to rejuvenate downtowns, bolster small businesses, and invigorate local economies.
Main Street Gettysburg has long played a pivotal role in preserving the town’s historic essence while driving economic progress. Jill Sellers, President of Main Street Gettysburg, emphasized, “Designation is both an investment in Gettysburg’s future and a commitment to protecting its history. It allows us to put our five-year strategy into action—improving walkability and accessibility, strengthening neighborhoods, and preserving our historic district. Together we will ensure that Gettysburg remains vibrant and welcoming to residents, businesses, and visitors of today and for generations to come.”
The Pennsylvania Downtown Center, a nonprofit dedicated to revitalizing Pennsylvania’s core communities, offers outreach and technical support to help enhance business districts and adjacent neighborhoods.
Julie Fitzpatrick, Executive Director of Pennsylvania Downtown Center, remarked, “As DCED’s nonprofit partner and statewide coordinator for Main Street America, Pennsylvania Downtown Center looks forward to assisting Jill Sellers, her board, and staff at Main Street Gettysburg with their commitment to this initiative. The Main Street Approach for community revitalization is an ideal way to support local business districts to encourage sustainable economic development to balance tourism and local quality of life so that the district retains its local history and heritage while being the best and most authentic version of itself.”
Supporting Main Streets Across Pennsylvania
The Main Street Matters initiative received over 229 applications requesting upwards of $68 million in the latest round, highlighting the strong demand for strategic investments in Pennsylvania’s Main Streets.
Grant amounts under the program vary by application type, covering community planning, façade improvements, business enhancements, district development, and accessible housing projects.
Unleashing Pennsylvania’s Economic Potential
- Governor Shapiro’s administration has worked diligently to make Pennsylvania more competitive, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, streamlining permits, and drawing nearly $32.5 billion in private investments, creating over 18,000 jobs statewide. Notable is Amazon’s $20 billion investment in AI and cloud computing campuses.
- Prioritizing economic competitiveness and efficiency, the Governor launched Pennsylvania’s first comprehensive economic development strategy in nearly two decades, reducing permit backlogs and allocating $550 million to site preparation and support for small businesses.
- The 2025-26 budget continues ambitious permitting reforms, funds key agency staff, and invests in the development of Pennsylvania’s main streets.
Discover more about the Shapiro Administration’s initiatives to uplift Pennsylvania’s workforce and businesses and explore how the Administration is expanding economic opportunities to forge a strong, competitive economy for all residents.
For further details on the Main Street Matters program or the Department of Community and Economic Development, visit the DCED website. Stay informed by following the agency on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.
