Shapiro Administration Awards Downtown Lansdowne New Main Street Designation

This new designation through the Main Street Matters program enables the Lansdowne Economic Development Corporation to apply for up to $225,000 in supportive grant funding for revitalization efforts in the Delaware County borough.

Governor Josh Shapiro secured another $20 million for the continued support of the Main Street Matters program in his 2026-2027 state budget.

A vital part of Pennsylvania’s 10-year Economic Development Strategy, Main Street Matters has invested $34 million in 137 revitalization projects in communities across the Commonwealth since it was created in 2024 by Governor Shapiro.

Lansdowne, PA – Today, Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger awarded downtown Lansdowne in Delaware County a new Main Street designation through the Main Street Matters program, which provides downtown business districts with the support and tools they need to spark economic growth and create vibrant communities.

Governor Josh Shapiro secured $20 million to continue funding Main Street Matters in his 2026-27 state budget. Main Street Matters, which is a crucial component of Pennsylvania’s 10-year Economic Development Strategy, has invested $34 million in 137 revitalization projects in communities across the Commonwealth since it was created in 2024 by Governor Shapiro.

As part of today’s announcement, Secretary Siger visited several small businesses in Lansdowne, including Camellia Coffee House, the Lansdowne Theater, and art studio and maker space Utility Works.

“As a designated Main Street, Lansdowne can now tap into the important tools available through the Main Street Matters program to support and boost its revitalization efforts,” said Secretary Siger. “Under Governor Shapiro’s leadership, we are breathing new life into our downtowns and neighborhoods and creating real opportunities for Pennsylvanians in both rural and urban areas.”

The Lansdowne Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) will implement its approved five-year strategy entitled Public Works: Art & Economy to strengthen the borough — just six miles from center city Philadelphia ― by developing and fostering deeper connections between artists, businesses, residents, and visitors. Specifically, LEDC will focus on transforming downtown Lansdowne into a regional arts and culture destination that celebrates local communities, connects artists, businesses, and residents, and promotes community well-being, healthy living, and an improved quality of life.

“I’m thrilled to see the continued investment in Lansdowne Avenue through the Main Street Matters program, and proud to have secured funding for the restoration of the Historic Lansdowne Theater that has quickly become an important anchor for this diverse and creative community,” said Senator Tim Kearney.

“The Main Street Matters program is such a huge gift to towns like ours, where commitment to small business and community identity are strong but funds to keep our downtowns vibrant and safe can be limited,” said Representative Gina Curry. “This investment in Lansdowne’s core business district is a welcome opportunity for us to make improvements that reflect our community members determination to keep Lansdowne evolving and sustaining as time goes on.”

“Lansdowne has always had something that cannot be manufactured: a strong sense of place, creativity, character, and people who care deeply about their community”, said Jessica Pointer, President, Lansdowne Borough Council. “This Main Street designation gives us another tool to turn those strengths into lasting progress. We now have an opportunity to be even more intentional about the Lansdowne we are building: one where our business district reflects the energy, diversity, and spirit of the people who call this community home. This designation does more than recognize Lansdowne’s potential: it gives us another opportunity to act on it, and we are ready.

“When I am out in my community I continuously see the vibrancy that the LEDC’s programming and social infrastructure enables. I am proud to help guide an organization that brings people out into the community and gather together to explore their creativity, share their stories, and support their neighbors’ creative output in kind,” said Dr. Ryan Batkie, Chair, Lansdowne Economic Development Corporation. “We can all feel the humanity in our economic interactions blossoming. And I feel especially proud that the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development has recognized our commitment and our efforts to forge connections and a sense of belonging in Lansdowne and seen fit to invest in us. The Main Street designation gives us confidence and support at a key moment as we move to deepen and expand our work.”

“It’s exciting to see how much LEDC and the Landsdowne community have accomplished these last few years, and the Pennsylvania Downtown Center looks forward to assisting them in their commitment to their Main Street initiative,” said Julie Fitzpatrick, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Downtown Center. “As DCED’s nonprofit partner and statewide coordinator for Main Street America, PDC will be there along this journey to make sure designation will elevate their central business district. The Main Street model for community revitalization is designed to support communities of any size to encourage sustainable economic development and improve the quality of life for local residents so that the community becomes the best and most authentic version of itself.”

Main Street Matters funding supports community revitalization efforts in planning, business support, aesthetic improvements, and the increase of safety and security. Specific uses include planning activities, façade grant programs, business improvement grant programs, accessible housing programs, and district development grants.

Earlier this year, the Shapiro Administration awarded more than $17.2 million across 56 community projects that strengthen local economies and support downtown revitalization efforts. In its latest round of funding, Main Street Matters received more than 220 applications requesting more than $68 million ― underscoring the need for sustained investment in Pennsylvania’s Main Streets.

As part of the DCED-administered program, communities can also apply to become a designated Main Street or Elm Street. Designation creates the opportunity for targeted investment and development through the identification of specific needs for investment and/or the design, development, and implementation of a strategy to address those needs.

Since taking office, Governor Shapiro has made Pennsylvania more competitive — attracting over $43 billion in private-sector investment while creating more than 29,000 good-paying jobs across the Commonwealth and earning national recognition.

The Governor’s 2026-27 budget builds on this momentum by investing in long-term economic growth and ensuring communities across the Commonwealth can compete and win.

Learn more about the Shapiro Administration’s efforts to support Pennsylvania’s communities, workers, and businesses and spur the economy, to build a stronger, more competitive economy for all Pennsylvanians.

For more information about Main Street Matters or DCED, visit the agency’s website, Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.

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