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Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development

Main Street Maryland Tier Structure

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About the Main Street Maryland​ Program

The Main Street Maryland Program helps communities with revitalization efforts through a tiered approach based on readiness, capacity and alignment with the Main Street approach. The tiers are:

Designated Main Streets are the top tier, accredited programs with the National Main Street Center​​. These communities will use the full Main Street Approach to support long-term, local revitalization. Designated communities show a strong commitment to:

  • Economic development
  • Preserving local historic and cultural resources
  • Building volunteer support and partnerships
  • Raising financial and in-kind support from local government and other partners

Aspiring Main Streets want to learn more about becoming a designated Main Street. They complete a two-year training program offered by Main Street Maryland. This helps them build a strong foundation and work toward accreditation with the National Main Street Center.

Connected Main Streets are commercial neighborhood districts. They are not yet eligible for designation under the Main Street Maryland program. They want to use one or more pillars of the Main Street Approach to improve their community's economy.

Visit a Main Street

Annual Report 

To learn more about the impact Main Streets have across the State, check out our most recent annual report: 

How to become a Main Street Maryland community

The process includes an application and acceptance by the Main Street Maryland program. The application process will reopen in May 2026.

If you're interested in applying, we recommend the following steps:

  • Check if your community is ready
  • Learn about the Main Street Approach
  • Build support from local leaders and community members
  • Visit existing Main Street communities
  • Set goals for the program

Once you’ve done this, Main Street Maryland staff would like to hear from you. 

Check the program's Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)​ for quick answers to common questions.

Connected Tier application is open now

Application Deadline: Friday, August 7, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET 

The Main Street Maryland Connected Tier is now accepting applications. 

To apply, you must submit the online application form by Friday, August 7, 2026 at 5:00 PM. We will not review or consider late or incomplete applications. 

Before you begin the online form, you may preview the application questions and requirements (for reference only)​ - PDF - 344.65 KB. Please note that we will not accept PDF applications. 

Main Street Maryland Application

What to expect after you apply 

  • After you submit your online application, Main Street Maryland staff will reach out to schedule an in-person site visit.
  • We expect to announce acceptance decisions in late 2026 or early 2027.