Shapiro announces new Main Street Matters initiatives in Central Pa.

Central Pennsylvania projects are among the 81 new Main Street Matters investments aimed at creating economic opportunity for small businesses across Pennsylvania, Gov. Josh Shapiro announced. 

The Main Street Matters initiative was created by Shapiro to build on the Keystone Communities Program‘s success. The governor’s 2025-26 budget proposal includes another $20 million for this initiative.  

Investments in Pennsylvania main streets are designed to help local communities repair sidewalks and lighting, improve building façades, build more affordable housing, and support small businesses. Administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), Main Street Matters received more than 200 applications requesting over $43 million, which emphasizes the demand for strategic investments in Main Streets across Pennsylvania. 

“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.” Shapiro said in a statement. “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,” added Shapiro. 

DCED Secretary Rick Siger said Main Street Matters is a key part of the Shapiro Administration’s 10-year Economic Development Strategy. 

“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,” said 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. 

“The Shapiro Administration is focused on making these types of bold, meaningful investments to provide a higher quality of life for Pennsylvanians as well as our growing businesses and thriving communities,” added Siger. 

Lancaster County organizations receiving funding include the following: 

• Ephrata Development Organization dba Mainspring of Ephrata: Gateway Signage for Downtown Ephrata’s Recreational Areas, $1,000,000. 

• Community Basics, Inc.: Three Center Square Apartment Rehab, $823,917. 

• Lancaster Downtown Investment District: Light Up Lancaster, $200,000. 

• SACA Development Corporation: Historic Howard Avenue Facade Improvement Program, $100,000. 

• Lancaster City Alliance: Facade Improvement Grant Program, $100,000. 

Organizations in York County gaining funding include: 

• Industrial Development Authority: Zion Church Phase 2: Stabilization, $504,050. 

• Y Community Development Corporation: York City Streetlight Installation, $86,250. 

In Adams County, Main Street Gettysburg, Inc. received $50,000 for a Facade Improvement Program. Dauphin County’s Harristown Development Corporation gained $15,000 for its Harrisburg Downtown Strategic Plan with ULI. In Franklin County, Downtown Chambersburg, Inc. received $100,000 for its Business Improvement Microgrants in Downtown Chambersburg. 

Shapiro during the past year has visited more than a dozen Main Streets, including Lancaster and Hummelstown in Central Pennsylvania, to hear directly from business owners and community leaders.