The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has announced a new three-tier structure for the Main Street Maryland program, designed to help more communities reach national accreditation through Main Street America.
Since its launch in 1998, Main Street Maryland has worked to strengthen downtown commercial districts through local investment and revitalization. On July 1, DHCD transitioned from a two-tier system to a new three-level framework:
- Designated Main Streets – Top-tier, nationally accredited programs that use the full Main Street Approach™ to support long-term revitalization.
- Aspiring Main Streets – Communities actively using the Main Street Approach™ and completing a two-year training program to prepare for national accreditation.
- Connected Main Streets – Communities beginning to use elements of the Main Street Approach™ to improve their local economy.
Under the reorganization, Maryland now has 29 Designated Main Street communities, six Aspiring Main Streets, and seven Connected Main Streets.
In 2024 alone, Main Street Maryland districts saw 200 new businesses open, 933 full- or part-time jobs created, and 327 properties improved.
Pocomoke City’s Advancement
Previously, Pocomoke City participated in the program as a Main Street Affiliate, which allowed the City to apply annually for $10,000 in grant funding for downtown beautification projects.
Pocomoke City Director of Economic Development Karah Lacey noted that past affiliate-level funding supported several visible community enhancements:
- In 2023, the purchase of a 14-foot artificial Christmas tree and other holiday lighting to create a festive downtown atmosphere.
- In 2024, a mural by We Art Limitless Studios on the side of Cypress Roots Brewing Company, representing Pocomoke’s heritage.
- In 2025, the purchase of an LED letter board sign to promote events and announcements, with the location to be determined.
A 2026 grant application was submitted this spring to assist with exterior projects at the MAR-VA Theater and the Delmarva Discovery Museum. The City is awaiting the state’s award announcements.
With the tier change, Pocomoke City will now be recognized as an Aspiring Main Street beginning in FY2026. Lacey will continue to serve as Main Street Manager and will complete the two-year training required for Pocomoke to become a Designated Main Street.
“This will allow Pocomoke to become eligible for more funding opportunities and great exposure to not only Maryland, but nationwide,” Lacey said. “I am both proud and excited to embark on this endeavor for Pocomoke City.”
For more information on Main Street Maryland, visit mainstreetmaryland.org.
