Long Branch is celebrating a major milestone with its official designation as Maryland’s newest Main Street Maryland community and the opening of its new Main Street office. State and local leaders, including Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day and Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, gathered with community partners to mark the occasion.
The Main Street Maryland designation recognizes Long Branch’s commitment to revitalizing its business district through economic development, historic preservation, and community partnerships. As one of Maryland’s 28 Designated Main Street communities, Long Branch joins a statewide network dedicated to strengthening local economies while preserving each community’s unique character.
During the celebration, Secretary Day also launched Destination Main Street, a new statewide tourism campaign designed to encourage visitors to explore Maryland’s designated Main Streets. The initiative highlights local restaurants, shops, cultural attractions, and experiences that showcase the distinctive identity of each community while supporting small businesses.
The event included a walking tour of downtown Long Branch and a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Long Branch Main Street office, managed by Montgomery Housing Partnership (MHP). The office will serve as a resource for local businesses and a gathering place for community meetings, workshops, and neighborhood events.
County Executive Marc Elrich recognized the years of collaboration that helped Long Branch achieve its designation, while MHP leaders emphasized the new opportunities the designation and community space will bring to local businesses and residents.
For nearly three decades, Maryland’s Main Street program has helped communities revitalize downtown business districts, promote economic growth, and preserve the historic and cultural assets that make each Main Street unique. Long Branch’s designation marks an exciting new chapter for the community as it continues to grow while maintaining its vibrant local identity.