DEEP RIVER, WESTBROOK JOIN MAIN STREET ACCELERATOR PROGRAM TO ENHANCE DOWNTOWNS AND TOWN CENTERS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe O’Leary | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov | 508-479-4969

January 13, 2026

Deep River and Westbrook were among five Connecticut communities selected as part of the Connecticut Main Street Center’s 2026 cohort, with local teams in each town to undergo a six-month program helping them meet community needs specifically in downtown and Main Street areas.

According to information released by the Connecticut Main Street Center, local leaders from Deep River will work together to develop new messaging for the town’s Main Street area, including tackling misconceptions about Deep River and its downtown area.

Westbrook leaders, meanwhile, will investigate ways to better illuminate town-owned parks with the intent of enhancing existing buildings and other local resources in the town.

“Downtowns, Main Streets and public lands are focal points of our communities, representing gathering places and centerpoints that draw people together from near and far, and focus on re-emphasizing and improving them for current and future demand is vitally important,” said State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex). “I’m highly encouraged to learn of this newfound emphasis and am excited to see what comes in the near future.”

“Deep River’s Main Street is the essential anchor for the town’s economy, cultural identity, and long-term sustainability,” said State Representative Renee LaMark Muir (D-36). “The walkable town center is an important mix of small-town charm, history, and outdoor access to the Connecticut River. The Connecticut Main Street Accelerator Program will help drive local economic growth, preserve community identity, and ensure long-term sustainability and resilience.”

“We’re looking forward to working with these communities who are taking bold steps to strengthen their downtowns,” said Michelle McCabe, CMSC’s Executive Director, in a statement. “Main Street Accelerator isn’t just about learning strategies—it’s about building connections and turning ideas into action. Watching teams collaborate and bring fresh energy to their Main Streets is one of the most rewarding outcomes of this program.”

 The Connecticut Main Street Center’s Main Street Accelerator program emphasizes economic vitality, design, organization and promotion in a community, with specific focus on bringing new investments and economic success in communities, designing public spaces as accessible as they are inviting, and improving community engagement for long-term success.

By undergoing that four-point program, with specific focus on design and promotion in Deep River and organization and design in Westbrook, both communities seek to have new opportunities for success and public utilization of their resources.