Innamorato launches Main Streets Allegheny to support business districts

The $4 million initiative aims to improve public spaces and offer support for small businesses.

By JULIA BURDELSKI
TribLive

Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato on Thursday announced a $4 million initiative to support main streets, providing funding for public space improvements, small business support and local events.

The Main Streets Allegheny program will distribute grants this year to municipalities, community organizations and small businesses.

“Main streets are the heart and soul of communities like ours,” Brentwood Mayor Mike Foyle said during a news conference announcing the program at Brentwood’s recreation center. “They are where businesses grow, neighbors connect and local pride comes to life.”

Main Streets Allegheny aims to be flexible enough to fit the unique needs that various main streets across the county may experience, Innamorato said.

The program comes at a time when rising costs make it challenging for some municipalities to fund business district improvements.

“Businesses, they might be doing OK, but they might not have enough cash on hand for a new awning, or to replace the front door or to buy new equipment to expand their business into the storefront next door,” Innamorato said. “And this is where Main Streets Allegheny comes in.”

The program — funded by a combination of federal grant money, county capital funds and revenue from the county’s hotel and tourism tax — includes four grant areas.

The first offers implementation and placemaking grants for municipalities throughout the county, excluding Pittsburgh, which has similar programming in place through its Urban Redevelopment Authority. The grants can fund improvements to streetscapes and public spaces, as well as murals, signage, lighting and wayfinding.

A second portion provides funding for community events, such as festivals. Allegheny County Economic Development Director Lauren Connelly said communities looking to host events during the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, April 23-25, can apply for grants to support such programs.

A grant aimed at technical assistance to main street business districts will provide funding for revitalization strategies, market analysis, commercial corridor assessments and other support.

The final piece will offer financial support for small businesses in main street districts.

“This is part of a comprehensive and strategic plan to think about growth — and inclusive growth — throughout the county,” Connelly said.