Eversource’s precursor, the Connecticut Light & Power Company (CL&P) established the Connecticut Main Street Program in 1995. They recognized there was no comprehensive approach to revitalizing our historic commercial districts and they were concerned with protecting their significant investment in infrastructure in the State’s downtowns. As a result, they provided the funding and internal administrative resources to establish the Connecticut Main Street Program.

In recognition of their steadfast commitment to the Connecticut Main Street program, in 2006 they were awarded the coveted National Main Street Business Leadership Award. To this day, Eversource Energy remains the only private corporation in the country to solely sponsor and administer a statewide Main Street initiative.

Eversource has continued to invest in CMSC, underscoring its historic and ongoing commitment to the communities it serves. CMSC views Eversource as an important ally and partner in our work. In addition to providing office space and financial support that enable us to carry out our mission, Eversource also supports economic development activities across the state through their Foundation; as a leader in sustainability efforts; and is an integral part of the state’s Housing Tax Credit Contribution program, serving as the single largest purchaser of the credits. In recognition of their commitment to CMSC and Connecticut’s communities, we bestow the Founders Award, presented by Eversource, which is given to individuals and organizations who dedicate themselves to promoting an awareness of the necessity of a comprehensive management approach to the revitalization of Connecticut’s historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts.

Learn more about Eversource

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

DECD’s partnership with CMSC makes good sense for Connecticut’s downtowns.  Long-term planning, economic and community development, and historic preservation are all activities we collaborate on to create healthy communities.

Learn more about DECD