Forward Focus.
How process, programs, and data are advancing Connecticut Main Streets.
Advancing communities across Connecticut to establish and maintain vibrant Main Streets.
It’s not surprising we chose a verb to start our new mission statement because this team at CMSC moves at the speed of light. Our work is defined by action –this year, we clocked thousands of miles and hundreds of hours in communities from one end of the state to the other, seeing for ourselves the diversity of main street stakeholders and downtowns, delivering assessments and field visits, education and training, events, programming, and technical assistance to support great main streets. The CT Main Street team is out in communities large and small, developing new products and services, introducing best practices in events and webinars, and advocating at the state and local level.
Our work is fueled by more than passion and expertise. Everything we do is rooted in data – information we glean from our expansive Main Street Management Assessment conducted annually with our members and our new Readiness Assessment. Those numbers combined with qualitative reporting and the surveys and evaluations we regularly conduct throughout the year reveal opportunities for growth for CMSC. We constantly develop programs that address needs we see on the ground and the requests we hear directly from communities. Our data allows us to see improvements, challenges and feedback to our performance; year-over-year, we can constantly refine and track our impact. And our communities can do the same, celebrating positive changes and setting goals to move forward.
As you will see in our 2025 Annual Report, both our organization and Connecticut’s main streets have made great strides. However, our momentum has just begun to build, driving us and Connecticut’s downtowns forward into a future that fully leverages our assets, co-creates exciting and inclusive places for our residents and visitors, and is defined by collaboration and partnership. I hope you will be as inspired as we are every day by the main streets and downtowns that make Connecticut such a wonderful place to live.
Michelle Lapine McCabe Executive Director, CMSC
From the Executive Director
The past year at CT Main Street Center was all about advancement — both internally and externally. Like the game board on the cover, we took strategic steps to move our downtowns forward. In some moves, we leveraged data and insights to leap ahead. Others taught us valuable lessons. But each step was made with the purpose and intention to advance main streets towards excellence.
Board of Directors Staff
Kelvin Ayala Principal, Director of Economic Development Led By Us
Ryan Bingham, Immediate Past Board Chair Senior Vice President/Lobbyist Sullivan & LeShane, Inc.
Glenn Davis Vice President Community Development/CRA Officer Liberty Bank
Susan S. Decina, MPA Economic & Community Development Specialist CT Dept of Economic & Community Development
Elizabeth Esposito, AICP Community and Government Relations Specialist United Illuminating
Nicole Haggerty, AICP Planning Director Town of Colchester
Matthew Kaufman, Treasurer Regional VP of Operations, Central Region Hartford Healthcare
Alyssa Kent Senior Development Manager and Design Director Spinnaker Real Estate Partners
Savannah Blantz-Maria Programs Coordinator
Jennifer Baldyga Events & Professional Affiliates Manager
Kristen Lopez Senior Director of Programs
Michelle Lapine McCabe Executive Director
Ken Livingston, AICP, Vice Chair
Client Executive FHI Studio, now IMEG
Kathy Nanowski, CPSM, Secretary VP | Director of Marketing & Communications Fuss & O’Neill
Allan Pagnotta
Executive Managing Director, Head of Credit Risk Review Webster Bank
Cierra Patrick Economic Development Manager City of Groton
Laura Pirie, Chair Principal Pirie Associates
Jeff Pugliese Director of Community Relations CT Eversource
George Rafael Associate Deputy Director Connecticut Conference of Municipalities
Lisa Scails
Executive Director Cultural Alliance of Western CT
Yvonne Zhao, CECD, EDP Regional Innovation Office CT Dept of Economic & Community Development
Carl Rosa Field Services Director
Christine Schilke Communications & Strategy Director
Judith Stahl Business Operations Manager
Kennedy Winslow Field Services Coordinator
Our Mission
Advancing communities across Connecticut to establish and maintain vibrant Main Streets.
Recognizing our downtowns serve as the social and economic heart of the community, we help others understand the significant impact thriving Main Streets have on our economy and quality of life. At the local level, we work with our members - dedicated stakeholders including downtown professionals, municipal employees, business owners and even volunteers - to help them strategically cultivate the key ingredients of an inviting, vibrant downtown. At the state level, we advocate for programs and policies that advance the Main Street way of life.
The CT Main Street Approach
CMSC is a member of Main Street America and serves as the Statewide Coordinating Program for Connecticut. We espouse Main Street America’s Four Point Approach to Main Street Management, a model that focuses on the pillars of Economic Vitality, Design, Promotion, and Organization. This model has been proven both nationally and locally with our members on the ground over our 25+ year history.
The Four Point Approach serves as the basis of our comprehensive Main Street Management Assessment tool that measures over 85 key downtown data points. Through our education, training, and technical assistance offerings, we guide our members to create incremental action plans that continuously enhance their downtowns and commercial corridors. Using the Four Point Approach framework to implement CMSC’s tailored recommendations, our members are able to cultivate the six core qualities of a vibrant downtown (represented on the graphic’s outer ring), resulting in dynamic and prosperous Main Streets all across the state.
Our Members
Canton/ Collinsville
Coventry
Deep River
Durham
East Haddam
East Hartford
Enfield/ Thompsonville
Fairfield
Farmington
16. City of Groton 17. Haddam 18. Hamden
Hebron 20. Meriden
21. Naugatuck
22. New London
23. New Milford
24. Newtown/ Sandy Hook
25. Niantic
Norwich
Old Saybrook 28. Plainville
Plymouth
Putnam
Ridgefield
Rockville/ Vernon
Seymour
Stonington 35. Suffield
Thomaston
Torrington
Trumbull
Watertown
Westbrook
Windham/ Willimantic 42. Windsor Locks
Woodbridge
Professionally Managed CT Main Street Programs
a. Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District
b. City Center Danbury
c. Manchester Downtown Special Services District
d. Middletown Downtown Business District
e. New Britain Downtown District
f. Simsbury Main Street Partnership
g. Downtown Storrs/Mansfield
h. Upper Albany Main Street (Hartford)
i. Wallingford Center, Inc.
j. Main Street Waterbury
k. Westville Village Renaissance Alliance & City of New Haven
l. Windsor First Town Downtown
Regional Affiliate Members
i. Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region (seCTer)
ii. Northwest Hills Council of Governments
iii. South Central Regional Council of Governments
Multi-District Members
★ City of Bridgeport
★ City of Hartford
★ City of New Haven
CT Main Street Communities
In The Field
Over the last year, CMSC conducted:
Measuring, Managing & Maintaining Success
CMSC’s Assessment Tool helps members do more of what’s working, change course on what’s not.
A thriving main street requires ongoing managementcomprehensive work that juggles competing priorities and convenes community stakeholders around a unifying vision.
To strengthen and support our main street managers in this work, CMSC launched the annual Main Street Management Assessment in January 2023, breaking down the main street management process into over 85 concrete, incremental action items derived from national best practices and incorporating Connecticut’s unique character. As a result, the Assessment is centered on cultivating vibrant communities –regardless of urban, suburban, or rural context.
In FY25, CMSC performed 35 Main Street Management Assessments and 28 Readiness Assessments, providing our members and regional program participants across the state with a way to measure the success of their initiatives, and allowing them to benchmark their downtown management efforts, in addition to offering customized recommendations and resources for strengthening key areas as needed.
Of the assessments performed, twenty were in communities receiving an assessment for a second year and in some instances a third year, offering them valuable insights on year-over-year improvements. We’re happy to note that all twenty communities scored higher in their overall score, most notably in the “Fundamental” section, meaning communities went back to basics to bolster the foundation of their main street program.
PROGRAM ASSESSMENTS
FIELD VISITS
CMSC’s Impact Expands as Membership Grows
As word spreads about the effectiveness of our annual Assessment tool and the many resources available to our members, demand continues to grow. We’re thrilled to report that CMSC welcomed seven new members to our network over the last year:
Town of Chester
Town of Clinton
Town of Deep River
• City of Hartford
• South Central Regional Council of Governments
• Borough of Stonington
• Town of Woodbridge
New Resources for Regional Members
Through the South Central Regional Council of Governments’ (SCRCOG) regional membership, CMSC delivered a focused, action-oriented workshop for municipal CEOs. Titled Advancing Your Downtown: Identifying Priorities and Next Steps, the twohour session guided five communities to better understand what it takes to create and sustain a vibrant main street and assessed their community’s readiness for a managed main street approach. Participants explored the distinct role main street management has from traditional economic development and planning, and identified concrete next steps tailored to their local priorities.
Education and Training
We educate and empower local community stakeholders to create great downtowns using the nationally proven Four Point Approach to Main Street Management, and bringing local and national best practices to CT’s downtowns.
Main Street Accelerator Program
Main Street Accelerator trains local teams from communities across Connecticut to implement small-scale projects that make incremental positive change in their downtowns. During the program, participants learn and practice national best practices in main street management; sustainable and inclusive development practices; project management; and community engagement.
CMSC launched the Main Street Accelerator program in 2024, taking on an inaugural cohort of six teams from communities across the state. This year, CMSC welcomed four new teams to the program.
Meet Our 2025 Accelerator Cohort
Teams with a diverse array of geographies and projects were chosen for this year’s Main Street Accelerator program.
Bethel
The Bethel team is working together to create the Experience Downtown Bethel website to cultivate the growth, resilience, and prosperity of Downtown Bethel by delivering experiences that boost tourism, increase foot traffic, and enhance local commerce. The team also focused on developing a process for business owners to support each other on future projects.
Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District Bridgeport DSSD team members are working together to create an entrepreneurial ecosystem that supports the ability of existing business owners to grow and expand Downtown, as well as welcome in and set up new entrepreneurs for success in brick-and-mortar spaces that will complement the neighborhood’s identity that is experiential, creative, and increasingly friendly to the growing residential population.
East Hartford
The team comprised of City, art, and economic development representatives are collaborating on a coordinated cultural plan for Downtown East Hartford, focusing on identifying current cultural assets and opportunities for arts programming that supports long-term cultural and economic development.
Enfield
The Enfield team set out to create an effective and organized non-profit Main Street program that will design a formal plan to address how to change perceptions of Thompsonville, including survey questions, meetings, and development of different pitches for the area.
Turning Learning Into Impact
2024 Main Street Accelerator Cohort Grant Awards
As a benefit of the Main Street Accelerator program, teams that successfully complete the program are eligible to receive a grant of up to $5,000 towards the completion of their project. CMSC and funding partners Chelsea Groton Foundation and Thomaston Savings Bank awarded $15,000 in grant funds to three 2024 Main Street Accelerator teams from Georgetown, Norwich, and Thomaston.
This year, CMSC was also pleased to announce Main Street Accelerator will be supported going forward with a $25,000 investment from Webster Bank. The Webster Bank funds both support the Accelerator program and contribute to the program’s grants.
Learn more about our Main Street Accelerator program.
Applications open September 2025.
Webinars
Our webinars are held throughout the year and focus on issues that are relevant to the communities we serve, often on topics resulting from member feedback.
This year’s topics included:
• Main Street Management 101
• Use EV Charging Stations to Drive Traffic to Main Street with Charge Deals
Promoting Your Community with CivicLift
• Main Street Accelerator Info Session
• Finding Your Way On Main Street: A Guide to Developing and Implementing a Successful Wayfinding Program
• DEEP & Downtown: An Update on DEEP’s Municipal Services and Grant Programs
• Exploring Office to Residential Conversions
The Secret to a Successful and Thriving Downtown: What it is and How to Get There
Preparing for the Unthinkable: Lessons from Lewiston, Maine
Beyond the Curb: The Key Elements to a Successful Main Street Streetscape
In total, we held 10 webinars with 706 registrants:
• 224 were CMSC members; 473 were non-members
218 were repeat attendees
• Top roles in attendance were: Municipal Economic Development (25%) and Planner (26%)
• 76% of attendees said that webinar topics introduced new concepts or deepened earlier understanding 76%
“It was absolutely amazing and memorable. Along with the beneficial content, Shanna is an exceptional presenter.”
- CMSC webinar attendee, Preparing for the Unthinkable: Lessons from Lewiston, Maine
Special Events
CMSC takes pride in offering events that showcase practical real-world solutions to common challenges facing our downtowns. The genesis of these events often comes from our Assessment Tool, as we use the findings to pinpoint both trending obstacles and local successes, which are then shared through our dynamic in-person programs.
Spotlight on Main
During our Spotlight on Main events, a host CMSC member community shares what makes their downtown unique, including how they addressed obstacles and achieved success through collaboration, economic, and community development. Held twice a year in the spring and fall, they treat attendees to an insider’s view of the downtown, offering an overview presentation from local officials, a guided walking tour, and a brief reception at a local establishment.
Spotlight on Main: Georgetown
Presented by TD Bank
Georgetown comprises the corners of four towns – Redding, Weston, Wilton and Ridgefield, where small town charm, restaurants, and local businesses come together to form its Main Street. Our Spotlight attendees heard about Georgetown Village Restoration’s participation in CMSC’s first Main Street Accelerator cohort, discovered how effective a volunteer-run model can be, and learned firsthand about the town’s plan to clean up the 44-acre Gilbert & Bennett Wire Mill during a guided walking tour of the downtown.
Nearly 40 people from 15 Connecticut towns joined us to explore one-of-akind Georgetown.
Spotlight on Main: New Britain
Presented by Jasko Development
Two distinct neighborhoods welcome you to Downtown New Britain. Located between the Little Poland and Barrio Latino gateways, Downtown is an intersection of cultures and full of opportunity. Our attendees learned how Downtown New Britain solidified their spot on the National Register of Historic Places, how they championed progress in the downtown, and saw firsthand the streetscapes that earned New Britain a Bike Friendly Community Designation.
Over 60 people from 28 Connecticut towns joined us in downtown New Britain.
Summits
Our Summits feature local expertise, case studies, and engaging dialogues for a half-day of inspired learning and information-sharing.
CMSC & CRCOG Summit:
10 Years of TOD & The Road Ahead
Presented by Parkville Management
For our spring summit, CMSC partnered with the Capitol Region Council of Governments (CRCOG) to consider Connecticut’s history with transit-oriented development, review three distinct case studies on CTfastrak, CTrail, and micromobility, and look to the future of TOD in Connecticut. Over 130 people from 33 CT towns joined us for this event featuring distinguished panelists and keynote David Kooris, Executive Director, Connecticut Municipal Development Authority.
With thanks to our speakers & presenters:
Keynote: David Kooris , Executive Director, Connecticut Municipal Development Authority
CTfastrak in New Britain
• Eric Amodio, Managing Broker, Amodio & Co. Real Estate
CTrail in Windsor
• Keller Glass , President, Citizens for a Thriving Windsor
• Patrick McMahon , Economic Development Director, Town of Windsor
Greg Vaca , Founder & President, Grava Properties
Jack Benjamin , Director of Planning & Development, City of New Britain
• Nicole Bosco, Executive Director, New Britain Downtown District
• Michelle Lapine McCabe, Executive Director, CMSC, Moderator
Kevin Bielmeier, President, CEDAS, Moderator
Micromobility In Hartford
Jordan Polon , Executive Director, Hartford BID
• Grace Yi, Senior Planner, City of Hartford
• Mike Zaleski, President & CEO, Riverfront Recapture
Matt Hart , Executive Director, CRCOG, Moderator
The Road Ahead
Deputy Commissioner Emma Cimino, CT DEEP
Deputy Commissioner Laoise King , CT DOT
• Tim Love, Founding Principal, Utile
• Deputy Commissioner Matt Pugliese, CT DECD
David Kooris , Executive Director, CMDA, Moderator
Watch the entire event on YouTube.
State of Main
Presented by CivicLift
New in 2025, State of Main is Connecticut’s premier gathering of Main Street stakeholders dedicated to the vitality of our downtowns.
Hosted by CMSC, in partnership with the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM), our inaugural event examined the trends, challenges, and opportunities facing our Main Streets. Our panels discussed ways to support downtown restaurants & retail, looked at the partnerships that contribute to thriving downtowns and considered ways to sustain arts & culture.
With thanks to our speakers & presenters:
• State of Main Address: Kristen Lopez , Senior Director of Programs, CMSC
Sustaining Restaurants and Retail in Uncertain Times
Scott Dolch , President and CEO, CT Restaurant Association
• Anne-Marie Knight , Executive Director, Black Business Alliance
• Rebecca Mead , Administrator, Middlesex County Revitalization Commission
• Chris DiPentima , President and CEO, CBIA, Moderator
Building Regional Resilience Through Arts, Culture & Tourism
• Anthony Anthony, Chief Marketing Officer, State of Connecticut
• Taneisha Duggan , Director of Arts, Culture & Entertainment, City of Hartford
• Bruce Flax , President, Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce Lisa Scails , Executive Director, Cultural Alliance of Western CT
Celebrating Excellence
The 2025 Quentin Williams Downtown Hero Award Winner: Rista Malanca, AICP
The Downtown Hero award was introduced in 2023 to honor the legacy of the late state Rep. Quentin “Q” Williams, a great friend of CMSC and a champion for all of Connecticut’s downtowns. The Downtown Hero award celebrates those who embody Q’s greatest strengths, including tireless advocacy, working collaboratively to achieve common goals, bringing a multitude of voices to the fore, and working to create downtowns that are inclusive and welcoming to all.
CMSC bestowed the 2025 Quentin Williams Downtown Hero Award to Rista Malanca, AICP, for her outstanding contributions to community vibrancy through thriving
Rufus de Rham , Interim Executive Director, Connecticut Arts Alliance, Moderator
Pathways to Vibrancy: Partnerships Helping Downtowns Thrive Jennifer Anderson, VP Marketing & Communications, Fairfield University
• Mark Barnhart , Community & Economic Development Director, Town of Fairfield
• Matt Oestreicher, Director, SHU Community Theatre
• Chief Erik Costa , Middletown Police Department
• Sandra Russo-Driska , Manager, Middletown Downtown Business District
• Maryellen M. Shuckerow, Executive Director, St Vincent de Paul Middletown, Inc.
• Andrew Martelli, Assistant Town Manager, Town of Cheshire Ilona Somogyi, Executive Director, Ball & Socket Arts
• Michelle Lapine McCabe, Executive Director, CMSC, Moderator
main streets and village centers. Rista was recognized for her longstanding efforts to revitalize downtowns in the state’s Northwest corner, including working in partnership with Winsted stakeholders on traffic calming measures; her impactful work as Economic Development Director in Torrington where she was instrumental in instituting several main street initiatives from streetscapes to new mixeduse development; and in her current role as Director of Economic & Community Development with the Northwest Hills Council of Governments (NHCOG), where she spearheaded the Northwest CT PROMISE Program in collaboration with CMSC to provide assessment, training, and technical and marketing assistance to strengthen the communities in the region.
Connecticut Main Street Center
Connecticut Main Street Center
In The News
Over the past year, CMSC’s programs, events, member network, and staff all garnered attention for our efforts and successes revitalizing Connecticut’s downtowns and main streets.
Main Street Accelerator Program Continues to Attract Interest CMSC’s inaugural Main Street Accelerator Cohort educated teams from across the state about main street management best practices and how to apply them to a local initiative. Teams from Georgetown, Norwich, and Thomaston subsequently received $5,000 grants to be used towards their projects, which were reported on locally in the Redding Sentinel, Norwich Bulletin, and Republican American
CT Mirror Highlights Potential Impact of Connecticut Agency Featured Prominently at CMSC Spring Summit
Our spring Summit, 10 Years of TOD & The Road Ahead, hosted by CMSC and CRCOG, sold out due to the exceptional lineup of speakers including keynote David Kooris, Executive Director of the Connecticut Municipal Development Authority. After a compelling opening address, David also closed the event by moderating a plenary of state leaders discussing what’s next for Connecticut’s transit initiatives. The CT Mirror subsequently featured an article on the CMDA’s efforts to spur downtown housing near transit, quoting CMSC’s Michelle McCabe about how the agency’s creation signals a positive future for our downtowns.
CMSC is routinely asked to speak on a variety of topics. This year CMSC staff presented at several events including two regional conferences:
Laura Pirie & Michelle McCabe Present at SNEAPA Conference
CMSC Board President Laura Pirie and Executive Director
Michelle McCabe presented Building Thriving Communities: A Playbook for Place-Based Economic Development at the 2024 Southern New England American Planning Association (SNEAPA) conference in Springfield, MA.
Laura and Michelle joined fellow panelists Malachi Bridges, MPA, and Steven Jacobs, AICP, to discuss the Neighborhood Commercial Districts Playbook, a comprehensive road map and tool kit that strategically guides the City of New Haven in realizing the potential of its neighborhood commercial districts (NCDs).
CMSC Presents at National Main Street Conference in Philadelphia CMSC’s Senior Director of Programs, Kristen Lopez, gave a presentation on the Main Street Accelerator program to Statewide Coordinating Programs from across the country at Main Street America’s Main Street Now conference in Philadelphia, while CMSC’s Carl Rosa and Kennedy Winslow joined CMSC members Aaron Marcavitch, Enfield Director of Economic & Community Development (and Main Street Accelerator 2025 participant), and Lizzy Donius, Executive Director of Westville Village Renaissance Alliance (New Haven) for three days of insightful educational sessions on a wide variety of downtown topics.
As CMSC’s membership, programs, and events continue to grow, so too does our reach as we share the news.
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CMSC Projects and Programs
Across Connecticut, vibrant downtowns of varying sizes can be found in close proximity to each other. While these areas benefit from robust local main street management, they also benefit from regional collaboration that leverages opportunities and mitigates challenges.
CMSC is coupling our deep understanding of main street management with our unique statewide
perspective to collaborate with regional organizations on creating coordinated and complementary approaches for neighboring communities within their respective areas. To this end, CMSC launched two new initiatives this year: Northwest CT PROMISE, in partnership with the Northwest Hills Councils of Governments, and the Greater Norwich Area Rural Business Development Program, in partnership with the Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce.
Northwest CT PROMISE
Partnership to Revitalize Our Main Streets with Integrated Solutions & Efforts: A Collaboration with Northwest Hills Council of Governments
The NWCT PROMISE program is a unique collaboration between CMSC and our regional member, the Northwest Hills Council of Governments (NHCOG), that aims to strengthen the region’s town centers and main streets through an iterative four-year collaboration on shared projects, long-term guidance, technical assistance and robust resources as part of a regional strategy to sustain and grow the region’s individual main streets and village centers in the COG’s twentyone towns.
Over the summer, CMSC evaluated seventeen of the twenty-one towns using our Main Street Readiness Assessment. Often accompanied by key municipal leaders, staff and stakeholders, as well as the NHCOG
Director of Community & Economic Development, these engagements consisted of interviews and walking tours to gather data about the assets, challenges, vision, and readiness of a community to approach their village centers and downtowns using a managed approach. CMSC used the data collected to prepare reports with recommended action items for each community and the region as a whole.
CMSC is conducting workshops on coordinated main street management skills building, visioning, and strategic planning. Beginning in fall 2025, CMSC will provide critical support to NHCOG and local municipalities in implementing the recommended items to support the region’s growth and overall progress.
Greater Norwich Area Rural Business Development Program
Beginning in fall 2024, CMSC partnered with the Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce to bring together stakeholders in GNACC’s eleven towns and craft a regional identity that bolsters local businesses and economic development. Similar to the PROMISE program, CMSC conducted Main Street Readiness Assessments that included a walking tour to observe the community’s vision, built environment, assets, and local support. Concurrently, the
Customized Community Assistance
Diversity on Main is a collaboration between CMSC and the Black Business Alliance (BBA) to address the challenge of ground-floor commercial vacancy in the downtown while creating business growth opportunities for underserved and under-represented entrepreneurs. CMSC and BBA are collaborating with the City of New London and Cultural District Commission, working with property owners to create spaces that serve the needs of modern merchants, prepare entrepreneurs
Deep River
CMSC was contracted by Deep River to support the development of a Downtown Master Plan, led by the town’s Planning and Zoning Commission and Economic Development Commission. Using Ginkgo, a robust geospatial platform
In Partnership with Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce
GNACC conducted an online business survey, hosted local coffee talks, and compiled data. The findings were used to inform the second phase of the project, with CMSC and GNACC developing workshops to strengthen the downtown ecosystem for the expansion and recruitment of small businesses, rooted in a Nature-Based Placemaking strategy.
This program is funded by a USDA Rural Business Development Grant.
Diversity on Main: New London
for brick-and-mortar readiness, and create a supportive environment for small business owners and property owners through a main street management model.
As part of this process, CMSC used an innovative mapping tool from Ginkgo, a CMSC Professional Affiliate, to create an inventory of the downtown’s business ecosystem, including vacancies, current businesses and business types. Through an iterative process of
walking the downtown and talking to New London stakeholders, CMSC created a complete downtown inventory, including everything from street-level businesses and above-grade housing, to noting New London’s many murals. This work has been key in analyzing areas of opportunity to target in partnership with BBA, the New London Cultural District, and the City of New London.
with CRM capabilities, CMSC created an inventory of parcels, properties, and businesses in the designated downtown district. CMSC provided a report of inventory findings and training for the community to update their downtown inventories over time.
Additionally, the tool can be used to market opportunities for development and small business recruitment. CMSC continues to provide input and guidance to Deep River throughout the planning process.
Connecticut Main Street Center
This program is supported by the M&T Charitable Foundation, the philanthropic arm of M&T Bank.
Advocacy
CMSC is an enthusiastic champion for Connecticut’s downtowns and main streets, celebrating and sharing their successes and bringing attention to the most pressing issues facing our communities.
Main Street America Comes to Connecticut
Main Street America, started by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 1980, sets the gold standard for main street revitalization and management. CMSC is part of Main Street America as one of 41 state coordinating programs.
Erin Barnes, President &
CEO of Main Street America, honored CMSC with a visit in March meeting with Rep. Jane Garibay and CMSC staff to talk about the issues of importance to Connecticut’s main streets and the unique programs, services, and tools that CMSC has developed, and touring with Main Street executive directors in Wallingford and Westville Village in New Haven.
Wallingford Center Inc. Executive Director Liz Davis, Mayor Vincent Cervoni and Economic Development Specialist Don Crouch shared their plans for increased economic development, how CMSC’s Assessment is guiding their efforts, and showed off the many new downtown businesses.
We joined Lizzy Donius, Westville Village Renaissance Alliance (WVRA)
Executive Director, City officials, WVRA stakeholders, and Ariel Vega from Senator Chris Murphy’s office for a brief presentation and tour of the commercial district, learned about how the neighborhood’s resident artists and entrepreneurs contribute to the area’s unique vibe, discussed a new mixed-use development underway, and heard about the area’s plans for development.
Main Street Working Group Continues to Support CMSC, CT’s Downtowns Connecticut’s downtowns and Main Streets are supported by the Main Street Working Group of the legislature, with whom CMSC shares a long-standing productive and open collaboration. With their assistance, CMSC and Connecticut’s communities inform members of the General Assembly on trends, policy ideas, best practices, and challenges facing downtown success. The Main Street Working Group is led by Representative Jennifer Leeper (Fairfield and Southport) and Representative Anthony Nolan (New London) and includes Representative Jane Garibay (Windsor and Windsor Locks) and Representative Derell Wilson (Norwich).
CMSC Highlights Members, Local Efforts at Capitol Day Celebration
across the state as legislators and their staff learned more about local efforts to grow and strengthen our main streets and village centers.
CMSC Testifies in Support of Arts, Culture & Tourism; Economic Development Downtowns thrive through a rich mix of businesses, amenities, streetscapes, buildings and more. CMSC voices support for various policies and regulations that enable this diverse ecosystem to succeed. During the 2025 Legislative Session, CMSC testified in support of the following bills:
• H.B. 06692: An Act Authorizing Certain Arts, Culture and Tourism Grants
• H.B. 7176: An Act Concerning Sales and Use Taxes Related to Certain Vehicles and Aircraft Industry Joint Ventures, the Dedication of a Portion of the Meals Tax and Revenue and the Dues Tax Threshold
S.B. 1551: An Act Concerning the Department of Economic and Community Development’s Spending on Arts and Humanities Activities
S.B. 1423: An Act Establishing a Task Force to Study the Regulation of the Corporate Acquisition of Residential Properties
In May, CMSC staff and several CMSC member communities converged at the Capitol where we were joined by dozens of legislators and their staff for a light-hearted look at our downtowns. The event included an unofficial battle of baked goods from
“ Tourism shares Connecticut’s main street experience with the broader world, bringing attention to all communities, large and small.”
- Michelle McCabe, CMSC Executive Director, CT Post
Connecticut Main Street Center
A Look Ahead
We’re gearing up to have an even larger impact in FY2026!
In the coming year, CMSC will expand our programming and events to meet the demands of our members and Connecticut’s Main Streets. Here is a preview of what we have in store:
Main Street Accelerator: Cohort 3
Main Street Accelerator offers a fresh approach to leadership development and main street management. Over the course of the 6-month program, participants learn and practice the nationally proven Four Point Main Street Approach; sustainable and inclusive development practices; project management; and community engagement.
Anchored by Webster Bank’s generous investment, we’ll welcome a new cohort of community teams aiming to better their downtowns, applying what they learn to local challenges, and collaborating with their fellow classmates on practical, achievable solutions.
Northwest CT PROMISE: Phase 3
CMSC will continue to partner with the Northwest Hills Council of Governments to provide critical support to NHCOG and local municipalities in supporting a regional approach to main street management and collaboration. CMSC will assist communities in implementing the main street improvements recommended during our first phase of the project and provide community resources that support the region’s growth and overall progress in main street vibrancy.
EmPOWERing Main Street Fund
United Illuminating (UI), Connecticut Natural Gas (CNG), and Southern Connecticut Gas (SCG), subsidiaries of Avangrid, Inc., are providing $25,000 to CMSC for the creation of the EmPOWERing Main Street Fund. Through the fund, eligible member towns within the companies’ service areas can apply for grants to support safety and aesthetic improvements in their downtown areas, such as installing inviting lighting, renovating building façades, creating public art and other beautification projects, and more. Towns can also utilize the funds for events, programming, and marketing materials. CMSC will open the application period in the Summer of 2025 to eligible communities in order to fund projects in 2026.
Join us at one of our upcoming events.
CMSC Training & Events
CMSC will offer a full slate of informative, in-person and virtual events designed to share best practices, brainstorm new solutions, and highlight Connecticut’s vibrant main streets.
• Spotlight On Main: CMSC member communities host main street professionals and stakeholders for this highly popular event, which includes a presentation from local officials, downtown walking tour, and closing reception:
- Fall 2024 Thomaston
- Spring 2025 Wallingford
• Main Street Summits: We convene local experts, municipal officials and downtown professionals to discuss the latest trends in main street management and economic development.
- Fall 2025 Creative Placemaking
- Spring 2025 Small Business Ecosystems
• 2nd Annual State of Main: Connecticut’s premier event gathers Main Street stakeholders dedicated to the vitality of our downtowns to examine the trends, challenges, and opportunities facing our Main Streets.
- Slated for June 2026
• Webinars: Our virtual events are well-attended for good reason! Held throughout the year, they offer thoughtful discussions and practical guidance on common issues faced by our downtowns. Some of our upcoming topics include:
- Main Street Management 101
- CT DEEP & Downtown Pt 2: Continuing the Conversation
- Downtown & Community Branding
Professional Affiliates
CMSC’s Professional Affiliates provide our communities with access to specialized expertise relevant to downtown revitalization, preservation, economic and community development, land use, transportation and more.
CMSC is proud to have a wide array of experts to connect with our member communities via our educational programs, annual Main Street Management Assessment tool, networking events and more.
Advocacy & Government Relations
• Sullivan & LeShane, Inc.
Attorneys
• Pullman & Comley
Architecture, Landscape & Design
• BL Companies
• Crosskey Architects LLC
• Pirie Associates
• TSKP Studio
Downtown Design Services
• Downtown Decorations, Inc.
• Ginkgo
• Speclines
Digital, Web & IT Services
• CivicLift
• Vancord
Economic Development
• Goman York Property Advisers, LLC
• Storrs Associates
EV Charging Stations
• G9EV
Marketing, Branding & Photography
• Shire Lyons Ads
• Intersect Media
Planning, Engineering & Construction
• Colliers Engineering & Design
• FHI Studio, now IMEG
• Fuss & O’Neill
• Good Earth Advisors
Utility Companies
• Eversource Energy
• UI/Avangrid
Connecticut Main Street Center
Connecticut Main Street Center
Sponsors Funders
Every year, CMSC hosts a full slate of events designed to provide local and national expertise on topics related to successfully managing a main street, and showcasing how that’s being implemented on-the-ground in our member communities.
These events – which are attended by economic development professionals, municipal leaders, businesses that engage with main streets and municipalities, chamber members, and other professionals – are supported by generous sponsors who understand and encourage the positive impact Connecticut’s downtowns have on our communities.
We graciously thank our many sponsors for their support of our events this year.
CMSC is extremely grateful to its funders for their support.
The breadth of services CMSC provides would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors and investors.
Presenting Sponsors
• CivicLift
• Jasko Development Parkville Management
TD Bank
Content Partners
Connecticut Economic Development Association (CEDAS)
Capitol Region Council of Governments (CRCOG)
Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM)
Partners
• Amodio & Co Real Estate
• BETA Group, Inc.
Connecticut Green Bank
FHI Studio, now IMEG
Fuss & O’Neill
Palace Theater
Pullman & Comley
• UConn Waterbury
• Utile
Supporters
Colliers Engineering & Design
Express Strategies
Fairfield County Bank
M&J Engineering
Pirie Associates
• Trinity College Center for Urban and Global Studies
• Vancord
AICP Certification Provider
• FHI Studio, now IMEG
CCMO Partner
• CT Conference of Municipalities
In Kind Sponsors
• PopUp Bagels
• Uncle Leo’s Donuts
CMSC Founding Sponsors
CT Department of Economic & Community Development
Eversource Energy
Champions
• AKC Fund, Inc
CT Office of the Arts
• Hartford Foundation for Public Giving
Webster Bank
Diversity on Main Investor
M&T Bank
EmPOWERing
Main Street Fund
United Illuminating/Avangrid
Main Street
Accelerator Supporter
Webster Bank
Regional Funders
USDA Rural Business Development Grant
