Shapiro Announces $17.2 Million for 56 Pennsylvania Main Street Projects

Governor Josh Shapiro announced that pennsylvania is investing $17.2 million in 56 community projects through the Main Street Matters program after a walking tour in West Reading on Wednesday. He and DCED Secretary Rick Siger visited small businesses in Berks County before unveiling the grants, which are aimed at downtown revitalization, small-business support, and local economic growth.

West Reading Announcement

Shapiro said, "Every community in Pennsylvania, whether rural, suburban, or urban, relies on a strong Main Street to support local businesses, create jobs, and bring people together" and added, "Main Streets are the beating heart of our communities and that’s why my Administration makes their success our priority. By investing in our Main Streets, we’re boosting our economy and ensuring our communities continue to thrive well into the future."

The announcement came with a competitive funding picture. Main Street Matters received more than 220 applications requesting more than $68 million in the latest round, while the administration selected 56 projects for the $17.2 million award pool.

Rick Siger and Samantha Kaag

Siger said, "Governor Shapiro created the Main Street Matters program because healthy main streets are essential to strong communities" and, "This funding helps downtowns and commercial corridors across Pennsylvania grow and reach their full potential as centers of economic activity." West Reading Mayor Samantha Kaag said, "Main Streets are not just economic engines, they are places where people feel connected, they are places where communities build identity, pride, and possibility" and, "Today, we’re talking about the people, the business owners trying to grow, the workers earning a paycheck, the family deciding where to spend their weekend, and the young person seeing possibility in their own hometown."

Kaag also said, "We’re grateful to receive the help and support that we’re getting from the Governor’s office."

Penn Avenue Grant

The West Reading Community Revitalization Foundation will use a $60,000 grant for façade improvements along Penn Avenue. Shapiro also stopped at Simply Bold Cafe, Holistic Skate Shop, Symbiote Collectibles, and the West Reading Motor Club during the walk through the borough, showing which businesses sit closest to the grant announcement and are part of the downtown corridor the program is meant to reach.

The program has already drawn more than $34 million for 137 projects across the Commonwealth since Shapiro created it in FY2024, and he said he has secured $40 million for Main Street Matters since taking office. In his 2026-2027 budget proposal, he is calling for another $20 million to keep the program funded.