Brunswick Main Street Achieves Accreditation as 2025 Main Street America Program

Brunswick Main Street Achieves Accreditation as a 2025 Main Street America Program

Brunswick Main Street has proudly announced its designation as an Accredited Main Street America program for the year 2025. This prestigious accreditation is awarded to programs that meet strict performance criteria set by Main Street America, highlighting their dedication to preservation and economic development within their communities.

Each year, Main Street America alongside its partners identify programs that display an exceptional commitment to revitalization efforts, economic growth, and community enhancement. They recognize two tiers of national designation—Affiliate and Accredited—with the latter reflecting a program's proven success and reliability among local stakeholders, city officials, and state and national funding organizations.

Erin Barnes, President and CEO of Main Street America, remarked, "We are thrilled to recognize this year's 821 Accredited Main Street America programs for their significant contributions to their communities. Their hard work demonstrates the potential of well-coordinated leadership dedicated to creating spaces tailored to the delight of the people they serve."

Brunswick Main Street's performance evaluation was carried out by the organization's personnel and board members, in collaboration with Maryland Main Street. This collaboration aims to ensure that local programs align with national standards for community evaluation. The criteria for achieving Accredited status include six key performance areas: a robust commitment to revitalization, inclusive leadership, sustainable funding, strategic programming, preservation-based economic development, and demonstrable outcomes.

In the previous year, Main Street America programs collectively generated an impressive $7.65 billion in local reinvestment, opening 6,324 new businesses, facilitating 33,835 new jobs, and rehabilitating over 10,000 historic structures. Notably, they logged approximately 1.9 million volunteer hours. For every dollar spent by a Main Street program on its operational support, an astounding $21.73 was reinvested into downtown and commercial corridors.

In 2024, Brunswick Main Street played a pivotal role in revitalizing its downtown area through a variety of innovative programs and strategic partnerships. With funding of $250,000 from the state under the Building Block program, multiple property owners were able to enhance the health and safety of older buildings, addressing the essential improvements for future viability. Additionally, the YIFTEE Gift Card program successfully injected $96,500 into local businesses, showcasing its impact through a BOGO campaign which sold out within 24 hours. Furthermore, the opening of six new businesses in Brunswick illustrates the success of initiatives like the Blighted Building Program, which focuses on revitalizing historic properties, including the iconic Newberry Building.

Carmen Hilton, Program Manager of Brunswick Main Street, expressed her pride in this recognition, stating, "Achieving national accreditation is crucial. It embodies our community's commitment to revitalizing our historic downtown areas and fostering economic development while preserving our unique cultural heritage. This status not only provides us with access to vital resources, training, and support but also enhances our visibility, opening the doors for additional investment and tourism. Ultimately, it assists us in nurturing a vibrant, sustainable, and economically resilient community."

About Brunswick Main Street

Brunswick Main Street is a vital component of Main Street America, a program under the National Trust for Historic Preservation dedicated to assisting communities in revitalizing their downtown areas while maintaining their distinctive historical characteristics. Established in 2004, Brunswick Main Street focuses on the economic prosperity of its downtown and aims to celebrate the history and charm that make the area a desirable place for residents and visitors alike.

To learn more about Brunswick Main Street and how to become involved, you can visit brunswickmainstreet.org.

About the City of Brunswick

Located in the southwestern part of Frederick County along the Potomac River, the City of Brunswick holds a proud history as a railroad and canal hub, significantly contributing to the region's development. This small town continues to attract both commercial and residential growth thanks to its proximity to urban centers, rich natural resources, top-rated schools, and charming small-town lifestyle. For more information, please visit the city's official website at www.brunswickmd.gov.

About Main Street America

Main Street America is a movement oriented towards strengthening communities through preservation-based economic development. For over 40 years, it has provided a comprehensive, adaptable framework for community-driven revitalization through the Main Street Approach™. With more than 1,600 participating neighborhoods and communities spanning urban and rural areas, Main Street America remains committed to bolstering local heritage while building prosperous and resilient communities. Visit mainstreet.org for more details.