Downtown Frederick Partnership Showcases Growth and Announces Future Plans

DOWNTOWN FREDERICK, Md., March 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Downtown Frederick Partnership is dedicated to fostering a vibrant, thriving downtown that serves as the heart of the Frederick community. As a nationally recognized Main Street organization, the Partnership works year-round to support local businesses, enhance public spaces and create engaging events that bring people together. Through strategic initiatives in business development, design, events and community engagement, the Partnership ensures that Downtown Frederick remains a dynamic place to live, work and visit.

Downtown Frederick Partnership is pleased to share key accomplishments and announce upcoming initiatives that will further enhance the vitality of Downtown Frederick. The following updates were presented to the City Council on March 20, 2025.

Business Development

The Business Development Committee provides Downtown Frederick's new and existing businesses with the incentives, tools and resources they need to thrive. The committee focuses on creating a supportive environment for the entrepreneurs and innovators that drive the downtown economy. Highlights from the past year and upcoming projects include:

• Retail Incubator: In February 2025, the Partnership was one of 88 Main Street organizations nationwide—and the only one in Maryland—invited to apply for a $100,000 Hartford Small Business Accelerator Grant. If awarded, the Partnership plans to use the funds to launch a Retail Incubator that will support diverse entrepreneurs by providing a shared retail space, business training and mentorship. If the project moves forward, applications to participate in the incubator are expected to open later this year.
• Mission: Interior Grant Program: Supported by funds from the State of Maryland's Community Legacy program, Mission: Interior provides capital support for downtown businesses to improve the interior of their historic spaces. To date, more than $186,000 has been awarded through the program. The 2025 application is open now through April 9, with a new rolling application process launching in FY26 to provide up to $1,000 in funding for new downtown businesses.
• Business Training & City Visit: The annual City Visit took local business owners to Annapolis to explore parking redevelopment. In 2025, the visit will focus on Downtown Harrisonburg, VA, studying accessibility, events, and marketing strategies. Additionally, the Partnership introduced micro-trainings on key topics, including the Youth Apprenticeship Program, Google Business Profile setup and customer engagement with ASL users.
• 2024 Business Performance Survey: The Partnership's 13th annual survey captured insights into downtown businesses' financial health, economic outlook, and challenges. Key findings from the 93 responding businesses include:
• 47% of businesses reported profits as "much better" or "slightly better" in 2024 (up from 42% in 2023).
• The most valued Partnership services were ranked as communication of city news (90%), downtown marketing (80%), and streetscape improvements (65%).
• The top challenges for 2025 include rising costs, foot traffic, and employee retention.

The Partnership is taking these challenges into account as it plans initiatives to support downtown businesses in the months ahead. The full report can be found here: downtownfrederick.org/wp-content/uploads/2024-Business-Performance-Survey-Report.pdf

Design & Infrastructure Enhancements

The Design Committee works with numerous community partners to address key planning issues that set Downtown Frederick apart. Key projects include:

• Downtown Ambassador Program: Since 2021, this initiative, with support from the City of Frederick and other funders, has significantly contributed to Downtown Frederick's cleanliness and hospitality. Ambassadors are full-time paid employees who work 5 days a week. In the past year, they have cleaned 11,758 block faces as well as 4,779 public infrastructure items, and collected 1,660 bags of trash.
• Bring A Broom Saturday: This annual volunteer cleanup event mobilizes 350-400 volunteers to clean and beautify downtown. The 2025 event is scheduled for Saturday, April 26 – register to help at bringabroom2025.eventbrite.com
• Downtown Streetscape Improvements: The Partnership submitted its first-ever $2 million Congressionally Directed Spending request to support future streetscape upgrades. The Downtown Frederick Streetscape Study conducted by Downtown Frederick Partnership and the City of Frederick in 2021 can be found here: downtownfrederick.org/streetscapestudy
• Seventh Street Fountain Park: The Partnership is leading efforts to renovate this historic public park in collaboration with the City of Frederick, the African American Resources, Cultural Heritage Society and the Ausherman Family.
• Carroll Creek Wayfinding: Collaborating with the City of Frederick and Visit Frederick, the Partnership is helping to coordinate the design of improved wayfinding signage for Carroll Creek Linear Park, Frederick County's most-visited tourism destination.
• Façade & Fire Suppression Grants: Downtown Frederick Partnership is committed to protecting and restoring its historic architecture. In 2024, the organization granted $58,448 for façade improvements to downtown businesses, and $50,000 was allocated for fire suppression system installations.

Community Engagement & Organizational Growth

The Partnership is dedicated to fostering a connected and engaged community through innovative programs and sustainable funding strategies:

• Downtown Light Walk: Part of the Partnership's efforts to enhance the vibrancy of our Main Street district include placemaking initiatives like the Downtown Frederick Light Walk. The Light Walk features 6 unique lighting installations, including the iconic "Disco Garage" stairwell in the Carroll Creek Parking Garage and "Kaleidoscope" light tunnel in Everedy Square & Shab Row.
• Fundraising & Community Support: Downtown Frederick Partnership is celebrating its 35^th year in 2025. The organization has continued to evolve and grow over the years – establishing beloved local events, providing critical support to our small businesses, and so much more. None of this would have been possible without the community's support. In FY24, more than 50% ($644,000) of the Partnership's operating budget came from fundraising and grants, and more than 3,000 hours of volunteer service were provided to support the Partnership's work.

Marketing & Events

The Partnership continues to promote Downtown Frederick as a premier destination through strategic marketing and engaging events. To this end, the Promotion Committee spends hundreds of hours organizing and executing events like First Saturday, Alive @ Five and Frosty Friday that make Downtown Frederick a vibrant destination and a fun place to live.

• Marketing Investment: To promote Downtown Frederick as a thriving Main Street district with unique shopping, dining and experiences, the Partnership implements a robust marketing campaign by committing more than $115,000 annually to advertising and promotional efforts.
• Events: The Partnership organizes over 60 events annually, including monthly First Saturdays and Artwalks that showcase local shops, restaurants, galleries and small businesses, while seasonal events like Halloween in Downtown Frederick (October 25), Fall Fest (September 26–28), Frederick @ Night (November 7), Frosty Friday (November 28), and the Love Local Tour (December) create festive community experiences. Alive @ Five (kicks off May 8 this year) provides a stage for a diverse lineup of musicians all summer long and Bites & Bevs (March 2026) highlights the city's vibrant food and beverage scene. Unique experiences like the Lawn Party at the High Wheel (July 12) and Uptown Salsa Night (October) offer memorable moments, while the annual Fire in Ice event (February 6 – 7, 2026) draws over 25,000 visitors each February, making it one of Downtown Frederick's most anticipated traditions.
• Frederick Gift Card Program: Since its inception in 2006, the Downtown Frederick Gift Card program has generated nearly $3 million in spending at downtown businesses. More than 200 businesses accept the card this fiscal year, and more than $250,000 worth of gift cards have been sold.

"We are incredibly proud of the progress made over the past year and look forward to another year of collaboration, business support, and community growth," said Kara Norman, Executive Director of Downtown Frederick Partnership. "With strong backing from local businesses, government, residents, and stakeholders, Downtown Frederick will continue to thrive as a vibrant destination."

About Downtown Frederick Partnership

Founded in 1990, Downtown Frederick Partnership is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to enhancing, promoting, and preserving the vitality, livability, and diversity of Downtown Frederick—a nationally recognized Main Street community. The Partnership has managed Downtown Frederick's Main Street program since its designation in 2001.

For more information, visit downtownfrederick.org.

SOURCE Downtown Frederick Partnership