PHILADELPHIA, PA — In downtown Philadelphia, Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger, along with local leaders, returned Friday to continue the Main Street Matters tour, a central part of the Shapiro Administration’s state-wide initiative. This tour shines a spotlight on Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed investments in Pennsylvania’s prime corridors: main streets, small businesses, and their adjoining communities.
Secretary Siger’s visit to Philadelphia’s Fishtown borough was centered around hearing firsthand the needs and stories of small business owners. This initiative echoes Governor Shapiro’s commitment during his first year in office to understand and address the most exigent challenges faced by small businesses. The tour, in a broader perspective, serves as an amplifier for his Main Street Matters proposal’s greater implications.
“Amid increased competition to attract and retain business and residents in Pennsylvania, investing in our main streets has never been more crucial,” stated Secretary Siger. “A vibrant local economy hinges on thriving main streets, epitomized by small businesses akin to those nestled within Fishtown. Consequently, Governor Shapiro is proposing a substantial $25 million investment through our new Main Street Matters program to equip communities with the resources they need to transform their main streets into attractive places to live, work, and visit.”
Governor Shapiro’s proposed Main Street Matters program, to be administered by DCED, seeks to build upon the existing successes of the Keystone Communities Program. This much-needed revamp of the current structure will address a broad spectrum of community needs and invest in the revival and future prosperity of these communities.
Senator Nikil Saval expressed his enthusiasm about the program, acknowledging that the investments made into Philadelphia’s many diverse neighborhoods are investments into the entirety of Pennsylvania. He added that the program promotes the efforts of communities everywhere to enhance the appeal and accessibility of their main streets and recognizes the collective benefits derived from these undertakings.
On the other hand, Representative Mary Isaacson illuminated the community-driven investment that has characterized Philadelphia’s main streets for years. She emphasized the shift in this dynamic with the state now rallying behind Governor Shapiro to improve these vital community hubs. She cited the transformation of Fishtown from a so-called ‘scruffy renaissance’ to a thriving business district as a testament to the potential that state-backed investments hold.
While touring a significant portion of the Fishtown Kensington Area Business Corridor, Secretary Siger, accompanied by local leaders, interacted with the proprietors of several local businesses, including La Colombe Coffee Roasters and Middle Child Clubhouse Restaurant.
“Philadelphia plays a pivotal role in the Northeast corridor with flourishing commercial sectors, expanding innovation hubs and diverse cultural attractions,” commented Alba Martinez, Philadelphia’s Director of Commerce. Emphasizing the city’s commitment toward revitalizing commercial corridors to make them safer, cleaner, and more accessible for everyone, she appreciated Governor Shapiro’s support for local Main Street initiatives.
Ultimately, the Main Street Matters tour embodies Governor Shapiro’s commitment to fostering a robust economy across Pennsylvania. The Governor’s exciting 2024-25 budget, embracing this ten-year strategy, compels partners across all sectors to support the initiative.
In addition to the Main Street Matters program’s earmarked $25 million, the Governor’s budget proposes other economic development investments. These include $500 million in PA SITES funding to expand Pennsylvania’s commercial and industrial sites, $20 million to stimulate large-scale innovation, and $3.5 million to create and launch the Pennsylvania Regional Economic Competitiveness Challenge to incentivize regional growth.
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