Hagerstown, Maryland (May 13, 2026) – Downtown Hagerstown Main Street has been designated as a 2026 Accredited Main Street America program for meeting rigorous performance standards. Each year, Main Street America and its partners announce the roster of designated programs in recognition of their commitment to creating meaningful improvements in their downtowns through preservation-based economic development and community revitalization using the Main Street Approach™.

“We are proud to recognize Downtown Hagerstown Main Street as a 2026 Accredited Main Street America program for your unwavering commitment to grassroots transformation and the extraordinary abilities of your staff, board of directors, and volunteers to respond to the needs of their community,” said Erin Barnes, President and CEO at Main Street America. “Downtown Hagerstown Main Street demonstrates a dedication to investing in the people and places that make your downtown district special and contribute to the collective power of the Main Street movement to build vibrant spaces and durable economies.”

Downtown Hagerstown Main Street is one of 838 nationally recognized Accredited Main Street America organizations and is a part of a network of over 1,600 communities leading positive commercial district transformation efforts throughout the United States.

Main Street America recognizes two tiers of national designation — Accredited and Affiliate. These designations are a badge of excellence and a powerful tool, signaling to community members, civic leaders, decision makers, funders, and others that the Main Street program holds an established position within a nationwide movement with a 45-year proven track record of generating transformative economic returns, fostering welcoming and inviting communities, and creating lasting positive impact.

Downtown Hagerstown Main Street’s performance was evaluated through assessments conducted by the organization’s personnel and board of directors, and Main Street Maryland, which works in partnership with Main Street America to identify local programs that meet rigorous national community evaluation standards.

These standards provide the Main Street America network with a strong framework for reviewing progress, recognizing strengths, understanding trends, and identifying strategies to move Main Street programs forward.

To qualify for Accredited status—Main Street America’s top designation tier—communities must demonstrate a proven track record of achieving outcomes in alignment with the Main Street Approach and exceptional performance in six areas: broad-based community commitment to revitalization; inclusive leadership and organizational capacity; diversified funding and sustainable program operations; strategy-driven programming; preservation-based economic development; and demonstrated impact and results.

In 2025, Main Street America programs generated $9.4 billion in local reinvestment, welcomed 6,936 net new businesses, facilitated the creation of 36,549 net new jobs, rehabilitated 10,623 historic buildings, and leveraged 1.8 million volunteer hours. On average, for every dollar a Main Street program spent on operations, $23.13 was reinvested in its downtown district.

Over the past year, the Downtown Hagerstown Main Street Program continued to build momentum through strategic investment, placemaking, and business development initiatives that strengthened the downtown district. Through the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s Project Restore 2.0 program, the district leveraged a $300,000 investment that helped support the opening of six new small businesses in downtown Hagerstown. The program also distributed more than $54,000 in Downtown Event Grant funding to support 28 community events, contributing to more than 120 events held throughout downtown in partnership with local organizations, businesses, and city departments. Public art and beautification efforts expanded significantly in 2025 and 2026, including the addition of 14 new murals connected to the National Mural Awards and Hagerfest Music & Art Festival, further positioning downtown Hagerstown as a regional destination for arts, culture, dining, and entertainment. Partnerships with organizations such as Good News Hagerstown, Visit Hagerstown-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Hagerstown Flying Boxcars, and local businesses also supported ongoing beautification projects, public programming, and volunteer-driven initiatives that enhanced the overall downtown experience.

“Receiving Main Street America Accreditation for 2026 reflects the dedication, collaboration, and investment happening throughout Downtown Hagerstown,” said Brittany Arizmendi, Director of Community Engagement and Main Street Manager for the City of Hagerstown. “From supporting new businesses and expanding public art to creating vibrant events and strengthening partnerships, this recognition highlights the progress our community continues to make in building a thriving and welcoming downtown district.”