The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) has announced a new application round for the Main Street New Jersey (MSNJ) designations, set to open on February 1, 2024. This initiative allows communities to join the MSNJ program, providing them with technical assistance and training in historic downtown revitalization and management. Communities designated as MSNJ can also apply for grants to support physical improvement projects within their districts.
"Having a Main Street New Jersey designation promotes partnerships across local businesses, historic preservation, and community engagement, and we are eager to open this new applicant round," stated Acting Commissioner of DCA Jacquelyn A. Suárez. "MSNJ programs reinvest in their New Jersey downtowns through public and private investment resulting in community-led economic development, revitalization, and historic preservation."
The MSNJ program is part of DCA’s Office of Local Planning Services. It aims to promote the redevelopment of traditional business districts by offering training and technical assistance. The program supports preservation-based downtown revitalization initiatives that strengthen tax bases, increase sales, create jobs, attract businesses, boost investments, and preserve historical architecture.
Eligible applicants must be recognized 501(c)(3), (c)(4), or (c)(6) organizations focused on commercial district revitalization with municipal support confirmed by a resolution from the host municipality. Application guidelines are available on the DCA website at nj.gov/dca/divisions/lps/msnj.html. Applications will be accepted until March 15, 2024, evaluated independently by MSNJ staff and state agencies. Designated communities will be announced in April 2024.
Workshops for new district applications will be conducted via Zoom by Jackie Swihart from Main Street America. Attendance at one workshop is mandatory for applicants; recordings will be available for those unable to attend live sessions.
Designated MSNJ districts receive ongoing technical support from DCA and can access grants for operational costs and improvement projects within their areas. Since its inception in 1989, the MSNJ Program has seen over $1 billion invested in designated communities, resulting in a net gain of 1,400 businesses and an increase of 6,680 jobs.
For more information about the Main Street New Jersey Program or its participating communities, interested parties can call 609-292-3000 or visit nj.gov/dca/divisions/lps/msnj.html.
