Nearly 400 downtown revitalization leaders gathered at the historic Maryland Theatre in Hagerstown for the third annual Main Street Maryland Conference, where state officials emphasized the importance of investing in vibrant downtowns to strengthen local economies.
Maryland Housing Secretary Jake Day opened the conference by highlighting Hagerstown as an example of how communities can use public investment, cultural attractions and business development to revitalize their downtowns.
“What we know is in a competitive economy, great places win,” Day told News Talk 103.7 FM’s Rich Roche before the program began.
Day pointed to Hagerstown’s downtown ballpark, athletic facilities, arts and cultural offerings, and community events as examples of the investments helping attract activity to the city. He said the lessons from Hagerstown could apply to communities of all sizes throughout Maryland, from Western Maryland to the Eastern Shore.
Hagerstown Mayor Bill McIntire welcomed conference attendees, citing new businesses, increased investment, public art and live music as signs of progress downtown.
“We’re proud of how far Hagerstown has come, and we’re even more excited about where we’re heading,” McIntire said.
Washington County Commissioners President John Barr also welcomed visitors, noting the county’s 250th anniversary on September 6. Barr emphasized the importance of cooperation among local governments, saying communities throughout Maryland share a common goal of improving residents’ quality of life.
The two-day conference is organized by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development and the Maryland Economic Development Association. Activities began Monday with optional tours of Sykesville, Middletown and Westminster, followed by an evening gathering in downtown Hagerstown.
During Tuesday’s opening program, Day announced changes to Maryland’s Main Street program designed to help communities at different stages of downtown revitalization.
The program now features three participation levels: connected, aspiring and designated. It also includes a two-year training curriculum for newer communities and a mentoring program that pairs experienced Main Street managers with those just beginning their work.
Another initiative will help communities track vacant commercial and residential properties, making it easier to identify opportunities for redevelopment and infill construction. Day also said the state wants to expand housing opportunities as part of downtown revitalization efforts.
According to Day, 44 Maryland communities currently participate in the Main Street program. Over the past 12 months, those efforts have generated more than $84 million in public and private investment, opened 193 businesses, created 885 full- and part-time jobs and improved 249 properties.
Day also congratulated Downtown Sykesville Connection on receiving a 2026 Great American Main Street Award from Main Street America. Sykesville is the first Maryland community to receive the honor since Frederick won in 2005.
Day credited community members and local leaders for making revitalization efforts successful, emphasizing that strong downtowns depend on the people who invest their time and energy in them.
The opening session also recognized Kevin Baynes, a longtime state revitalization official who is retiring after nearly three decades with the state. Colleagues honored Baynes for his knowledge and contributions to community development, and Day presented him with a citation.
Additional conference activities included breakout sessions at the University System of Maryland at Hagerstown, a temporary street mural at Rochester Place designed with students from the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts, and evening events celebrating Hagerstown’s local food, music and arts scene.
The conference is scheduled to conclude Wednesday