The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and the Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) have announced the Main Street Maryland Conference on October 8, 2024, at The Weinberg Center for the Arts in Frederick, Maryland.

This event will spotlight the invaluable contributions of Maryland’s Main Streets and the distinct experiences they provide to communities statewide.

“For more than 25 years, the Main Street Maryland designation has provided a proven blueprint for successful and sustainable redevelopment. Approximately $1 billion in public, private, and nonprofit investment has supported revitalization projects and activities in more than 50 communities,” said Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day. “This conference is a tremendous opportunity for community leaders to learn how Main Street Maryland and other state revitalization programs can empower economic growth and create opportunities in their downtown cores and business districts.”

The 2024 Main Street Maryland Conference, themed “Creating a Local & Lovable Main Street Experience,” will focus on enhancing and celebrating the unique charm of Maryland’s Main Streets. These Main Streets are vital to our vibrant communities, and the conference will emphasize the significance of economic vitality, effective promotion, and community cohesion. Attendees will benefit from sessions on fundraising, placemaking, business attraction, addressing the housing crisis, and engaging volunteers and businesses. The event aims to provide practical strategies and insights to foster dynamic community and neighborhood development.

“Maryland’s city and town main streets generate big returns for their communities and the state,” offered Richard G. Griffin, CEcD, president of MEDA. Griffin went on to state that “MEDA is excited to partner with the Maryland DHCD to bring key stakeholders from across the state together to explore the economic and cultural significance of Maryland Main Streets. MEDA’s goal is to facilitate thoughtful discussions around best practices which will help guide our state towards a promising future.”

Additionally, the keynote speaker, Jess Rimington, co-author of “Beloved Economies,” is a prominent advocate for the next-economy movement with over two decades of experience in small business and inclusive-economy strategy. Over the past eight years, Jess Rimington has collaborated with sixty organizations and companies that are redefining business norms by innovatively sharing power within their teams. In her address, Rimington will reveal this research and present a visionary approach to business success that emphasizes well-being, meaning, connection, and resilience, alongside traditional metrics like quality and financial performance.

Additional speakers include Jake Day, secretary of the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development; Mary Means, renowned for leading the team that founded the National Main Street Center (now Main Street America); and Kiki Wilson, chief executive officer of OUT40, who will serve as emcee. OUT40 is a Frederick-based media outlet renowned for showcasing the city’s vibrant arts, streets, and community life. Other speakers will lead insightful sessions on various topics, including fundraising, placemaking, business attraction, the housing crisis, volunteer and business community engagement, and more.

The conference will convene Main Street organization staff, volunteers, board members, community leaders, and economic and community developers from across the region to participate in a diverse range of engaging discussions, including a keynote address, TED-style presentations, hands-on interactive experiences, and more.

For more information about the 2024 Main Street Maryland Conference, please visit the MEDA website.