By Ally Lanasa, Staff Writer

(Dec. 3, 2020) Berlin has been designated a 2020 Accredited Main Street America program for meeting standards of performance in 2019.

Ivy Wells, Berlin’s economic and community development director, said the town has received this recognition consecutively for the last five years.

Ivy Wells

“We strive to get this every year,” Wells said. “We’re experts at it now. It means a lot to us, though, to be recognized on the national level.”

According to a post on the town of Berlin Facebook page, this accredited status is the “top tier of recognition and signifies a demonstrated commitment to comprehensive commercial district revitalization and proven track record of successfully applying the Main Street Approach.”

“It showcases how we are in compliance with not only the Main Street Maryland Program, but also the national standards as well,” Wells said.

To be a state-recognized Main Street, Maryland communities must have a minimum population of 1,000 based on the most recent U.S. Census survey, a commitment to employ a program manager, a commitment to organize and maintain a volunteer board of directors/advisory committee and committees made up of public and private sector individuals, a commitment to provide a sustainable program budget and a defined, walkable central business district with a significant number of historic commercial buildings.

In addition, Main Street Maryland communities are sustainable communities approved by the state.

“We have to submit a monthly report to the DHCD (Department of Housing and Community Development) and their Main Street organization that lists things, such as new businesses that have opened, businesses that may have closed, creation of jobs, private investment dollars in their buildings,” Wells said.

She added that promotional initiatives and vacancy rate for businesses are also included in the monthly report.

The Main Street Maryland Program focuses on the Main Street Approach’s transformation strategies organized around economic vitality, design, promotion and organization, as well as a fifth category called “Clean, Safe and Growth,” which emphasizes sustainable practices in Main Street communities.

The Main Street America website states that the Main Street Approach provides a roadmap for tailored revitalization initiatives in downtown communities.

As a member of Main Street America, Berlin has access to online resources and a network of other Main Street communities.

“We learn from each other,” Wells said.

Being a part of the national Main Street organization also provides a few grant opportunities for the town.

For more information, visit https://www.mainstreet.org/home.