New Main Street Status Awarded for City Ave

A new Main Street designation has been awarded to the City Ave District as a flagship corridor for Pennsylvania's economic revival efforts, unlocking funding and technical support to bolster business and revitalization. The announcement, made on Thursday, Dec. 11, opens the district to receiving up to $225,000 in funding and five years of free technical assistance.

This designation marks a cross-municipal, cross-county collaboration, spanning Bala Cynwyd in Montgomery County and Philadelphia, with about 400 businesses, 29,000 residents, 25,000 workers, and nearly 2 million annual visitors.

According to MyChesCo, the district's five-year strategy centers on three connected nodes — Bala Avenue, 54th Street near Saint Joseph's University, and 63rd Street near Overbrook Station — targeting walkability, new retail and dining, greenspace, public art, and redevelopment.

The City Ave District's new status comes as part of a broader initiative by the Shapiro administration to expand the Main Street Matters program. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro created the initiative in 2024, securing $20 million in his 2025–2026 state budget to continue supporting downtowns and neighborhood business districts across the Commonwealth.

Funding through Main Street Matters supports planning, façade improvements, business development, district enhancements, and accessible housing.

State and local lawmakers celebrated the investment in southeastern Pennsylvania, framing the designation as a catalyst for strengthening small businesses and creating gathering, shopping, and social spaces.

“This Main Street designation for the City Ave District will create new vibrancy that supports the local economy, improving quality of life and creating real opportunities for residents,” said Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger in a DCED news release. “Main streets and small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and the Shapiro Administration is committed to giving communities the tools they need to help these crucial areas reach their full potential.”