County Executive Innamorato Launches Main Streets Allegheny

Published on February 19, 2026

County Executive Innamorato Launches Main Streets Allegheny to Strengthen Local Business Districts

New countywide program will provide grants, loans, and technical assistance to strengthen neighborhood business districts

PITTSBURGH –  County Executive Sara Innamorato today announced the launch of Main Streets Allegheny, a new countywide initiative that will devote more than $4 million to neighborhood commercial districts and business corridors through coordinated planning, technical assistance, and investment.

Main Streets Allegheny brings together grants, loans, technical assistance, and district-level investment to help municipalities, business districts, and small Main Streets create vibrant, welcoming community places. This program was shaped by what communities told Allegheny County economic development officials is needed to move projects forward.

“Strong Main Streets are essential to strong communities,” said Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato. “They’re where small businesses grow, neighbors connect, and local pride shows up every day. Main Streets Allegheny reflects our commitment to investing in the places that matter most. We have so many special communities across the county and we’re excited to invest $4 million to help them thrive.”

Across Allegheny County, local business districts play a critical role in supporting small businesses, creating jobs, activating public spaces, and strengthening neighborhood identity. Main Streets Allegheny was created to align existing tools and funding sources into a single, coordinated program that responds to local needs and supports long-term revitalization.

“Main Streets Allegheny is about meeting communities where they are,” said Lauren Connelly, Director of Allegheny County Economic Development. “By pairing hands-on support with strategic investment, we’re helping municipalities and business districts strengthen the local corridors that anchor their communities and ensure their Main Streets remain active, resilient, attractive, and positioned for long-term success.”

Program Overview

Main Streets Allegheny includes four core components:

  • Technical Assistance for Main Street Districts ($500,000) – Hands-on support to help communities plan, organize, and implement Main Street revitalization strategies. Applications will open in spring 2026 and are available to municipalities within Allegheny County, outside the City of Pittsburgh.
  • Implementation & Placemaking Grants ($1 million) – Funding for physical improvements and district-level projects such as streetscapes, public art, signage, and placemaking initiatives. Applications are open now for eligible municipalities within Allegheny County, outside the City of Pittsburgh.
  • Events & District Activation Grants ($1 million) – Support for events and activities that bring people to Main Street districts, increase foot traffic, and activate commercial corridors. Applications are open now and available across Allegheny County, including all neighborhoods within the City of Pittsburgh.
  • Small Business Grants, Loans, and Technical Assistance ($1.6 million) – Financial support and one-on-one assistance for small businesses located within Main Street districts. Applications will open in spring 2026 and are available to eligible communities within Allegheny County, outside the City of Pittsburgh.

Together, these tools are designed to support many communities across Allegheny County—from established downtowns to neighborhood commercial corridors.

Local Perspective

“Our Main Street represents the spirit of Brentwood — locally owned businesses, strong relationships, and a walkable destination our residents are proud of,” said Melissa Lenigan, Main Street Manager/Community & Economic Development Director for Brentwood Borough. “The County’s support is incredibly meaningful as it reinforces the momentum we’re building and helps ensure our business district continues to thrive.”

What’s Next

The launch of Main Streets Allegheny today marks the beginning of a rolling program throughout 2026, including application openings, community listening sessions, awards, and on-the-ground project support across the county. The applications for the Implementation & Placemaking and the Events & District Activation grants are now open. Applications for Technical Assistance and Small Businesses will open this spring. 

More information about program components, eligibility, and application timelines will be available on the Allegheny County Economic Development website: https://www.alleghenycounty.us/Projects-and-Initiatives/Economic-Development/Businesses/Main-Streets-Allegheny.

Media inquiries may be directed to the Communications Office.
For contact information, including email addresses and telephone numbers,
visit the Communications webpage.

 

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