History of CMSC

In 1995, recognizing that the state was not yet seeing the benefits of a comprehensive approach to revitalization of our historic commercial districts, and concerned with protecting its significant investment in its infrastructure in downtowns, The Connecticut Light and Power Company (CL&P) provided the funding and internal administrative resources to establish the Connecticut Main Street Program. CL&P remains the only private corporation in the country to solely sponsor and administer a statewide Main Street initiative. 

Recognizing that in order to grow Connecticut Main Street it would be necessary to gather a combination of public and private support, CL&P proposed restructuring the program in 1999.  With the support of then-Lt. Governor M. Jodi Rell the Connecticut Main Street Center (CMSC) became a private nonprofit corporation with its own board of directors later that year.  In 2000, and continuing through the present day, the State of Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) joined CL&P as a funding partner.

At its first Strategic Planning Retreat the new CMSC Board developed the following vision statement:  “The Connecticut Main Street Center will be recognized as the premier downtown revitalization and economic development program in the state, with a reputation for high standards of excellence and a record of developing and nurturing successful Connecticut Main Street Communities.”  This vision has successfully guided CMSC through its first 10 years.