Manheim Downtown Development Group About Us

The Manheim Downtown Development Group was formed in May 2001 as a subcommittee under the Manheim Area Economic Development Corporation. All Borough residents and business were and continue to be invited to participate. The initial goal was commercial business district revitalization taking advantage of State and Federal funding available through The Main Street / Commercial Reinvestment Program. An integral requirement of The Main Street Program is its volunteer and broad-based community support.

The Program provides a specific model, or framework, communities must follow to qualify for the support. Our program was officially designated as a Main Street program October 29, 2007. The community now has available grants to aid businesses with façade improvements and a variety of other purposes to improve our downtown area. With the objective for our program to ultimately be self-sustaining, certain dollars are provided in the form of matching grants. Three of a five year grant cycle provides administrative funds to hire a Main Street Manager who would function to coordinate efforts, reporting, community support and facilitating the operation of volunteer committees representing the Main Street Program's four point approach to revitalization, and coordinated by a board of directors, our organization committee.

Again, participation of all is welcome. As a starting point, attend the next organization committee meeting held the fourth Monday of each month, 7:00pm at the Main Street office.