Baltimore, MD — The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and the Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) are pleased to announce that the 2025 Main Street Maryland Conference will be held on Tuesday, October 7, and Wednesday, October 8, in Downtown Easton, Maryland. The conference aims to celebrate the people, places, and possibilities that make Maryland’s Main Streets thrive.
Centered on the theme “Great Places Win: Powering People, Places, and Possibility,” the conference will highlight strategies for strengthening Maryland’s Main Streets. From preserving historic districts to supporting small businesses, Main Streets are the heart of some of the most vibrant and welcoming communities in Maryland.
The keynote address will be delivered by Erin Barnes, President & CEO of Main Street America, a nationally recognized leader in civic technology, community organizing, placemaking, and inclusion. Her keynote will focus on the importance of investing in people and place to unlock the full potential of Maryland’s Main Street network, with insights on how communities can strengthen local economies, support small businesses, and create more vibrant and resilient downtowns.
The conference will also feature IGNITE-style presentations, breakout sessions, and panel discussions on topics such as branding, marketing, placemaking, and revitalization. Attendees can participate in local excursions to discover first-hand successful placemaking and revitalization projects. Conference sessions will be held throughout Downtown Easton, allowing participants to experience one of Maryland’s earliest designated Main Street communities.
The inaugural conference, held in 2024 in Downtown Frederick, drew more than 350 Main Street managers, community development partners, and local government leaders. Strong participation is expected again this year as momentum continues to build across Maryland’s Main Street network.
For speaker details, agenda, and registration, please visit the MEDA website.
About MEDA
MEDA is a nonprofit organization of economic development professionals. Established in 1961, MEDA members promote the economic well-being of Maryland by working to improve the state’s business climate and the professionalism of those in the field of economic development.
MEDA’s membership includes economic development practitioners employed by the government, businesses, and chambers of commerce, as well as other professionals with an interest in the economy of Maryland. Through its regular meetings, special programs, and projects, members address such diverse issues as local planning, workforce, transportation, international trade, tourism, and finance. To learn more about MEDA, visit https://www.medamd.com/.
About DHCD:
The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development is proud to be at the forefront in implementing housing policy that promotes and preserves homeownership and creates innovative community development initiatives to meet the challenges of a growing Maryland. Under the leadership of Secretary Jake Day, the department’s work is guided by five main objectives – to provide shelter for all, expand affordable housing, right the wrongs of the past, make lovable places, and connect all Marylanders.
Through the Maryland Mortgage Program, the department has empowered thousands of Maryland families to realize the American dream of homeownership. The department’s rental housing programs increase and preserve the supply of affordable housing and provide good choices for working families, senior citizens, and individuals with special needs. Community development and revitalization programs like Neighborhood BusinessWorks, Community Legacy, and Main Street Maryland help our cities and towns remain rich, vibrant communities.
The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development remains committed to building on our past successes to maintain our reputation as an innovator in community revitalization and a national leader in housing finance.
