Bellevue is full of momentum, from new businesses and community events to growing neighborhood pride. At Bona Fide Bellevue, we believe now is the time to take that momentum even further.

That’s why we are working to pursue Main Street Designation, a powerful opportunity to bring more resources, investment, and long-term vitality to Lincoln Avenue and our broader community.

What Is the Main Street Approach^®?

The Main Street Approach is a nationally recognized, proven approach to revitalizing and strengthening downtowns and business districts.

Rather than focusing on one project at a time, the Main Street Approach brings the community together around a shared vision and a clear, strategic plan for growth. A Main Street program’s work should be organized around Four Points:

What Is a Main Street Designation?

Main Street Designation iis a competitive designation awarded through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It recognizes communities that are already working to strengthen their business districts and helps them take that work to the next level.

Communities that receive designation may gain access to:

• Grants for business improvements and façade upgrades
• Technical assistance, training, and expert guidance
• Priority access to additional state programs and funding
• Connections to a network of other successful Main Street communities

This isn’t a starting point. It’s a next step for communities like Bellevue that are ready to build on existing success and create lasting impact.

Why This Matters for Bellevue

A strong business district benefits everyone. A more vibrant Lincoln Avenue and surrounding areas can:

• Support existing small businesses
• Attract new businesses and customers
• Increase property values
• Create a more walkable, connected community
• Enhance Bellevue’s identity and sense of place
• Strengthen long-term community pride and investment

Most importantly, this process helps ensure that future growth reflects what our community actually wants and needs. 

Get Involved

There will be several opportunities to participate as this work moves forward. In the coming months, we will:

• Engage local businesses through a Business Roundtable to better understand opportunities, challenges, and priorities within our business district
• Establish a Main Street Committee within Bona Fide Bellevue to help guide
  this work and represent a range of community perspectives
• Gather community input through a community perception survey and outreach efforts
• Analyze market data and trends to inform a clear, data-driven transformation strategy for Lincoln Avenue

Opportunities to participate will be shared soon. We look forward to engaging with residents, businesses, and community partners as we shape the future of Bellevue together.

Our Commitment To Cooperation

Bona Fide Bellevue is committed to working collaboratively with the Borough, local businesses, residents, and community partners to:

• Engage the community in shaping a shared vision
• Develop a data-driven, 5-year strategic plan
• Build the partnerships and resources needed for success
• Pursue Main Street Designation to unlock new opportunities for Bellevue

This is a long-term investment in our community, and it starts with listening.

The future of Bellevue isn’t something that happens to us. It’s something we build together. By staying engaged, you’re helping shape a stronger, more vibrant Bellevue for years to come.

Want to know more?

Learn more about the programs and partners guiding this work:

Pennsylvania’s Main Street Matters program through the Department of Community and Economic Development.  

Main Street America‘s Main Street Approach

The Pennsylvania Downtown Center and its work supporting communities across the Commonwealth