Four Downtown Initiatives in Connecticut Earn National Accreditation

Four Connecticut Main Street programs – in Hartford, New Haven, Simsbury and Waterbury - have been designated as Accredited Main Street America™ programs for meeting rigorous performance standards, and in recognition of their exceptional commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach™.

The Connecticut Main Street designated programs earning 2022 Main Street America Accreditation are:

• Upper Albany Main Street (Hartford),

• Westville Village Renaissance Alliance (New Haven),

• Simsbury Main Street Partnership

• Main Street Waterbury

“We are extremely proud to recognize this year’s 863 nationally Accredited Main Street America programs that have worked tirelessly to advance economic vitality and quality of life in their downtowns and commercial districts,” said Patrice Frey, President & CEO of Main Street America. “During another incredibly challenging year, these programs demonstrated the power of the Main Street movement to respond to the needs of their communities. I am inspired by their steadfast leadership and innovative solutions to drive essential local recovery efforts, support small businesses, and nurture vibrant downtown districts.”

In 2021, Main Street America programs generated $5.76 billion in local reinvestment, helped open 6,601 net new businesses, generated 30,402 net new jobs, catalyzed the rehabilitation of 10,595 historic buildings, and leveraged 1,427,729 volunteer hours. On average, for every dollar that a Main Street program spent to support their operations, it generated $19.34 of new investment back into Main Street communities.

The impact and performance of Upper Albany Main Street, Westville Village Renaissance Alliance, Simsbury Main Street Partnership, and Main Street Waterbury is annually evaluated by Connecticut Main Street Center, which works in partnership with Main Street America to identify the local programs that meet rigorous national performance standards.

Evaluation criteria determines the communities that are building meaningful and sustainable revitalization programs and include standards such as fostering strong public-private partnerships, supporting small and locally owned businesses, and actively preserving historic places, spaces, and cultural assets.

“We congratulate our Main Street programs in Upper Albany, Westville Village, Simsbury, and Waterbury for their continued dedication to bringing their Main Streets back to life and ensuring their long-term success,” said Kimberley Parsons-Whitaker, Interim CEO of CMSC.

“The ability of these programs to effectively address the needs of small and micro businesses while continuing to engage a variety of community stakeholders to ensure their Main Streets are vibrant and inclusive is critical to the economic and social health of our entire state.”

Connecticut Main Street Center is the “expert resource for developing and sustaining vibrant downtowns that fuel our state’s prosperity.” The organization’s mission is to “assess, educate, convene, and advocate to develop and grow our traditional downtowns, village centers, and urban mixed-use neighborhoods.” CMSC provides education and training, resources and technical assistance, and functions as the “statewide champion for downtowns and Main Streets of all sizes.”