Angela Fitterer, Executive Deputy Secretary | Pennsylvania Department Of Education
Governor Josh Shapiro has announced a significant investment in Pennsylvania's community projects through the Main Street Matters program. A total of 81 projects across the state will receive funding aimed at revitalizing downtown areas and supporting small businesses. This initiative represents a substantial commitment to enhancing local economies.
The investment was unveiled at the 2025 National Main Street Now Conference in Philadelphia, where Governor Shapiro addressed an audience of community development professionals, local leaders, and volunteers. The Governor confirmed $20 million had been secured for this program in the 2024-25 bipartisan budget, aligning with his promise to bolster Pennsylvania's Main Streets.
According to the Governor, "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." He emphasized the importance of Main Streets, stating, "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."
The Main Street Matters program, managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, received over 200 applications totaling requests of more than $43 million. This highlights the demand for investment in Main Streets statewide. Furthermore, Governor Shapiro's budget proposal for 2025-26 includes an additional $20 million for the program.
Governor Shapiro concluded, "Every Main Street matters and I'll continue bringing people together to invest in and improve our communities."
The speakers at the conference included DCED Secretary Rick Siger and Governor Josh Shapiro.
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