Maryland’s downtown leaders, economic development professionals and community advocates gathered in Hagerstown October 6–7 for the 2026 Main Street Maryland Conference, a statewide event focused on strengthening local economies and reactivating historic commercial districts that is hosted by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and the Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA).
Here are 10 key moments and takeaways from this year’s conference.
1. Hagerstown welcomed nearly 400 revitalization leaders.
The historic Maryland Theatre hosted the opening program, bringing together professionals focused on downtown investment, small-business development and stronger communities.
2. State leaders connected great places to economic growth.
Maryland Housing Secretary Jake Day highlighted how investments in public spaces, sports facilities, arts and entertainment can help attract visitors, residents and businesses. Increased tourism and business attraction translate into positive economic outcomes like workforce and business growth.
3. Main Street Maryland introduced a three-tier structure.
The program’s Connected, Aspiring and Designated levels provide pathways for communities at different stages of redevelopment to participate and build capacity. The structure allows communities to engage with the program while developing the partnerships and resources needed to advance their downtown initiatives.
4. Mentorship became a key part of the program.
A new approach pairs emerging Main Street managers with experienced professionals, supported by a two-year training curriculum to strengthen local development efforts.
5. Vacant properties received renewed attention.
State leaders highlighted efforts to track vacant commercial and residential properties, helping communities identify redevelopment and infill opportunities while exploring ways to expand downtown housing.
6. Sykesville’s national recognition was celebrated.
Downtown Sykesville Connection received the 2026 Great American Main Street Award, recognizing its community-driven revitalization work. It was the first Maryland community to receive the award since Frederick in 2005.
7. Public art demonstrated its role in placemaking.
At Rochester Place, a temporary ground mural designed in collaboration with students from the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts demonstrated how creative public spaces can encourage walking and cycling while making downtown more inviting. Public art and other placemaking initiatives can encourage walking, strengthen a district’s identity and create more opportunities for visitors to engage with nearby businesses.
8. Downtown tours showcased different revitalization strategies.
Optional visits to Sykesville, Middletown and Westminster gave attendees firsthand looks at historic preservation, business development, arts-led resurgence, redevelopment and heritage tourism.
9. DED Represented Frederick as Conference Emcee
Kennedi Wilson with the City of Frederick’s Department of Economic Development, served as emcee for the 2026 Main Street Maryland Conference.
“I’m grateful to have been part of the Main Street Maryland Conference in this capacity. I appreciate the conference’s focus on strengthening downtowns, supporting small businesses and helping communities thrive. It was especially rewarding to contribute to an environment centered on connection and collaboration while representing Frederick and learning from the people doing this work across Maryland.”
— Kennedi Wilson, Business Development Specialist
10. Statewide economic results underscored the impact.
Day reported that Main Street Maryland communities generated more than $84 million in public and private investment, opened 193 businesses, created 885 full- and part-time jobs and improved 249 properties over the preceding 12 months. This shows a major return on investment, holding significance for local governments and communities.
Bringing the lessons back to Frederick
Several conference themes reinforced strategies already underway in Frederick, including downtown housing development, business retention and expansion, small-business support, placemaking and the adaptive reuse of historic properties. For DED, participating in statewide conversations provides opportunities to learn from peer communities, strengthen professional relationships and bring practical ideas back to support Frederick’s economic vitality.
“Our team attends conferences like Main Street Maryland to learn best practices, build relationships with peers across the state, and bring fresh ideas back to Frederick. The insights gained on downtown revitalization, housing, placemaking, business retention, and redevelopment help support current projects and shape future initiatives that strengthen Frederick’s economy and quality of place.”
— Mary Ford-Naill, Manager of Economic Development
The conference reinforced the importance of connecting business development, historic preservation, housing, arts and culture, and public investment to create vibrant downtowns. For economic development professionals, these conversations offer practical ideas for supporting local businesses, filling vacant commercial spaces and strengthening the experiences that attract residents and visitors to traditional business districts.