Shapiro Administration Awards Downtown Clearfield New Main Street Designation

This new designation through the Main Street Matters program enables the Clearfield Revitalization Corporation to apply for up to $225,000 in supportive grant funding for revitalization efforts in the Clearfield County borough.

In his 2026-2027 state budget, Governor Josh Shapiro secured another $20 million for the continued support of the Main Street Matters program.

Since being created by Governor Shapiro in 2024, Main Street Matters has invested $34 million in 137 revitalization projects in communities across the Commonwealth.

Clearfield, PA - Today, Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger awarded downtown Clearfield a new Main Street designation through the Main Street Matters program, which provides downtown business districts with the support and tools they need to spur economic growth and create healthy, strong communities.

Governor Josh Shapiro secured $20 million to continue funding Main Street Matters in his 2026-27 state budget. A crucial component of Pennsylvania's 10-year Economic Development Strategy, Main Street Matters has invested $34 million in 137 revitalization projects in communities across the Commonwealth since it was created in 2024 by Governor Shapiro.

As part of today's announcement, Secretary Siger visited several small businesses in the Clearfield County borough, including The Ritz Theater, Jim's Sports Center, and Liddle Gallery.

"Today, Clearfield's path to a bustling downtown is becoming a reality as it joins 19 other designated main streets across Pennsylvania," said Secretary Siger. "Clearfield can now apply for up to $225,000 in support from the Commonwealth and has access to networking opportunities and preferential treatment that will help it secure targeted investment for development and improvements. Under Governor Shapiro's Main Street Matters program, we are strengthening our downtowns and main streets and helping small businesses succeed."

As part of this new Main Street designation, the Clearfield Revitalization Corporation (CRC) can apply for up to $225,000 in supportive grant funding for revitalization efforts. The CRC will implement a five-year strategy to address three interconnected transformation priorities: position Clearfield as a hub for outdoor recreation; support local businesses to create a robust downtown economy; and enhance the beauty and walkability of public spaces. As part of these efforts, the CRC will focus on outdoor business recruitment, coordinate safety initiatives that will increase river access, and implement a strategic approach to beautifying and enhancing the walkability of downtown.

"It is an honor to accept this recognition from the Governor's Office on behalf of Clearfield, Pennsylvania. This designation represents much more than a year of planning. It represents a year of listening to our residents, surveying our community, collaborating with local partners, and working together to develop a transformative strategy for our town's future," said Sue Diehl Main Street Manager, Clearfield Revitalization Corporation. "This designation is not the destination; it is the starting point. It gives us a framework to turn our vision into action, strengthen our downtown, build on our local assets, and create a place where residents, businesses, and visitors can see a future full of possibility. We are proud of Clearfield, proud of what we have accomplished together, and excited about what comes next."

"As DCED's nonprofit partner and statewide coordinator for Main Street America, Pennsylvania Downtown Center (PDC) will be there along Clearfield's journey to make sure designation will elevate downtown," said Julie Fitzpatrick, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Downtown Center. "The Main Street model for community revitalization is designed to support communities of any size to encourage sustainable economic development and improve the quality of life for local residents so that the community becomes the best and most authentic version of itself. PDC is excited to support Sue and the work of the CRC and looks forward to assisting them in their commitment to this initiative."

Main Street Matters funding supports community revitalization efforts in planning, business support, aesthetic improvements, and the increase of safety and security. Specific uses include planning activities, façade grant programs, business improvement grant programs, accessible housing programs, and district development grants.

Earlier this year, the Shapiro Administration awarded  more than $17.2 million across 56 community projectsthat strengthen local economies and support downtown revitalization efforts. In its latest round of funding, Main Street Matters received more than 220 applications requesting more than $68 million ― underscoring the need for sustained investment in Pennsylvania's Main Streets.

As part of the DCED-administered program, communities can also apply to become a designated Main Street or Elm Street. Designation creates the opportunity for targeted investment and development through the identification of specific needs for investment and/or the design, development, and implementation of a strategy to address those needs.

Since taking office, Governor Shapiro has made Pennsylvania more competitive - attracting over $43 billion in private-sector investment while creating more than 29,000 good-paying jobs across the Commonwealth and earning national recognition.

The Governor's 2026-27 budget builds on this momentum by investing in long-term economic growth and ensuring communities across the Commonwealth can compete and win.

Learn more about the Shapiro Administration's efforts to support Pennsylvania's communities, workers, and businesses and spur the economy, to build a stronger, more competitive economy for all Pennsylvanians.

For more information about Main Street Matters or DCED, visit the agency's website, Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.

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