LANSDOWNE, PA — Downtown Lansdowne became eligible to seek up to $225,000 in state revitalization grants Thursday, October 8, after Pennsylvania awarded the Delaware County borough a Main Street designation, opening a new funding channel for business development, property improvements and an arts-focused economic strategy.
Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger awarded the designation through the state’s Main Street Matters program, enabling the Lansdowne Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) to apply for funding to support its downtown revitalization plans.
The designation does not constitute a direct grant award. Instead, it establishes eligibility for financial assistance as LEDC implements an approved five-year economic development strategy.
The plan, called Public Works: Art & Economy, seeks to position downtown Lansdowne as a regional arts and cultural destination while strengthening connections among local businesses, artists, residents and visitors.
Located approximately six miles from Center City Philadelphia, Lansdowne is pursuing an economic development model that uses its arts organizations and cultural institutions to support commercial activity and attract visitors.
LEDC’s strategy will focus on developing those connections as a means of strengthening the borough’s central business district and supporting long-term economic activity.
“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,” Siger said.
The designation comes as Pennsylvania continues directing state resources toward downtown commercial districts through Main Street Matters, a component of the administration’s 10-year economic development strategy.
Gov. Josh Shapiro secured $20 million for the program in Pennsylvania’s 2026-27 budget. Since its establishment in 2024, Main Street Matters has invested $34 million in 137 revitalization projects statewide.
The program supports business improvement grants, building façade renovations, district development, planning activities, accessible housing initiatives and improvements related to public safety and security.
For Lansdowne, the designation provides a framework for pursuing those resources through an established local development organization.
State Sen. Tim Kearney pointed to the restoration of the historic Lansdowne Theater as an existing investment supporting the borough’s commercial and cultural development.
Kearney said he had secured funding for the theater’s restoration, describing the venue as an important anchor for the community.
State Rep. Gina Curry emphasized the financial constraints facing smaller downtown districts.
“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,” Curry said.
Lansdowne Borough Council President Jessica Pointer said the designation would help the borough align future development with its existing commercial and cultural identity.
LEDC Chair Ryan Batkie said the organization’s programming has focused on bringing residents together through creative activities and supporting local businesses and artists.
During Thursday’s visit, Siger toured several downtown establishments, including Camellia Coffee House, the Lansdowne Theater and Utility Works, an arts studio and maker space.
The Pennsylvania Downtown Center, DCED’s nonprofit partner and statewide coordinator for Main Street America, will assist LEDC with implementation of its Main Street initiative.
Executive Director Julie Fitzpatrick said the organization would work with Lansdowne as it pursues its downtown development strategy.
The designation also places Lansdowne within a statewide program facing substantial demand for revitalization funding.
Earlier this year, Pennsylvania awarded more than $17.2 million to 56 community development projects. The latest funding round attracted more than 220 applications requesting over $68 million, according to DCED.
That demand exceeds the amount allocated to the program in the current state budget, underscoring the competition for financial assistance among municipalities and local development organizations.
Main Street Matters also offers designations for Elm Street communities, allowing participating areas to identify investment needs and establish development strategies.
For Lansdowne, the immediate effect is access to a state-supported revitalization framework and the opportunity to compete for up to $225,000 in funding as LEDC carries out its five-year plan.
The extent of future investment will depend on grant applications and subsequent funding decisions, while the borough’s longer-term economic strategy will center on connecting its downtown businesses with its established arts and cultural institutions.
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