Governor Shapiro Announces Main Street Designation for Lewistown

Lewistown's downtown revitalization is set for a boost with up to $225,000 in grant funding thanks to a new Main Street designation.

Governor Josh Shapiro has allocated $20 million for the Main Street Matters initiative in the 2024-25 bipartisan budget, fulfilling a promise to bolster local economies and community infrastructure.

Applications for the next funding round are open until August 31, 2025.

Positive Changes for Lewistown

LEWISTOWN, PA – Governor Shapiro, alongside Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger, visited Lewistown to celebrate its new designation under the Main Street Matters program. This initiative aims to provide business districts with essential resources for community development.

Downtown Lewistown, Inc. (DLI) now has the opportunity to request up to $225,000 in grant funding. The organization is set to execute its five-year plan, focusing on investment, development, blight removal, and enhancing green spaces. The purchase of the former Bon-Ton building by Geisinger Medical Group marks a new chapter for the Geisinger School of Nursing, further supported by the Main Street designation to attract health professionals and medical businesses.

Governor's Vision for Community Growth

Governor Shapiro emphasized the critical role of Main Streets: “Every community in our Commonwealth — rural, urban, or suburban — has a Main Street, and we know how vital they are to local economies. Our main streets are the beating hearts of towns and cities, and their success is directly tied to the small businesses that line them.” He highlighted plans for continued funding with a proposed $20 million allocation in the 2025-26 budget.

During his Lewistown visit, Governor Shapiro announced a second round of project funding applications open through August 31, 2025. The Main Street Matters initiative, launched as part of Pennsylvania’s 10-year Economic Development Strategy, is managed by DCED and builds on the Keystone Communities Program's success.

Community and Business Reactions

DCED Secretary Siger praised the program, stating, “Main Street Matters makes downtowns more vibrant, helps businesses thrive, and enables our main streets to achieve their full potential as economic hubs.” Mifflin County Commissioner Kevin Kodish expressed gratitude for the initiative's impact, emphasizing the potential for growth and revitalization in Lewistown and Mifflin County.

Ryan Cherry, owner of East End Coffee Co, shared his enthusiasm: “When Lillah and I opened East End in 2017, we wanted to create more than just a coffee shop — we wanted to invest in our community and reimagine what downtown Lewistown could be.”

Julie Fitzpatrick, Executive Director of the PA Downtown Center, highlighted the program's role in building authentic communities: “We’re building communities that are as authentic in their stories and character as they are in their architecture — places where people know their neighbors and have the support to start a business.”

Eligibility and Future Prospects

Eligible applicants for the Main Street Matters funding include various governmental and non-profit entities focused on economic and community development. The grant amounts vary based on the project category, supporting activities like community planning, façade improvements, and accessible housing.

Governor Shapiro initially secured $20 million for the program in the 2024-25 budget, with plans for an additional $20 million in the 2025-26 proposal. The program's inaugural round saw over 200 applications, signaling strong demand for these investments.

The forthcoming budget also includes allocations for workforce expansion, innovation, tax credits for job creation, and housing stock restoration. For more information on these initiatives, visit shapirobudget.pa.gov.